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'^j^M^ DE -WITT'S ACTING- PLAYS, e^ 



(Number lUT.l 




THE HUNCHBACK 

^jltfkY, m FIVE ACTS. 



Auth. 




JHERIDAN KNOWLES, 

' '• William Teli;' "■ The Wife," etc., etc. 



From the >^_ „ _^£tl Text as first performed at the Theatre Roy- 
al, Covent Garden, London, April 5, 1832; the Park The- 
atre, New York, 1832 and 1835; and the Union 
Square Theatre, New York, October 26, 1874. 



^N pNTIRFLY ]^EW ^CTING ^DITION, 
(PEESEBVING THE AUTHOK'S TEXT ENTIEE.) 



With full Stage Directions, accurately marked— Cast of Characters— Synopsis 

of Scenery— Full Description of Costumes, expressly compiled for this 

Edition— Bill for Programmes— Story ot the Play— Kcmarks— and 

those portions of the Play to be omitted in representation 

accurately marked witn inverted commas. 



EDITED BY 



JOHN M. KINGDOM, 

Author of " Marcoretti,^' " The Fountain of Beauty," " A Lifers Ven- 
geance," ^^Tancred," '• The High Road of Life," " Which is 
My Husband ?" " The Old Ferry House," " Madeline," 
" Wreck of the Golden Mary,'' " The Three 
Musketeers," etc., etc. 




ROBERT M. DE WITT, PU B LI S H ER 

No. 33 Rose Street. 




TCf^xv ' I ^®'^^^'^ SHEI.I.. A Travesty on " Rose Michel." In One Act. 
jx\jwr J Sydney Rosenfeld. Price 15 cents. 

MJEADT. I THE QUEEREST COURTSHIP. A Comic Operetta. In 
Act. By Alfred B. Sedgwick. Price 16 cents. 




Class. 



-D 



K^lid 



Rnnk .Xo H^^ 



Allow me to direct your atten- 
tion to the fact that I have just pub- 
lished a COMPLETE EDITION of 
BULWER^S DRAMATIC WORKS, 

suitable for the Library, in one volume, 
eloth, gold lettered, price One Dollar and 
Fifty Cents, 

DeWitt's Acting Edition Bulwer's Plats; being 
the complete Dramatic "Works of Lord Lytton (Sir 
Edward Lytton Bulwer, Bart), compnsing "The Lady 
of Lyons;" "Money;" "Richelieu;" "The Rightful 
Heir;" "Walpole;" "Not So Bad As We Seem;" "The 
Duchess de la Vallierre." From the author's original 
text. An entirely new Acting Edition. By John M. 
Kingdom. 

ROBERT M. DE WITT, PubUsher, 

33 Rose Street N. Y. 



Now UeacJy .—Tennyson's Great Play, QUEEN 
MAMYt Properly prepared for the Stage. The 
only Acting Edition in the market. Price 30 Cents, 
being a double Number (181 and 182.) of De "Witt's Act- 
ing Plays. 

*:ie* Be sure to order " De "Witt's Acting Edition " 
of above plays. 

ROBERT M. DE WITT, Publisher, 

33 Rose Street, K 7 



THE HUNCHBACK. 

IN FIVE ACTS. 

/ 
By JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES, 

Author of '* Virginius;' « William Tell," " The Wife,'' etc., etc. 



FKOM THE ORIGINAL TEXT AS FIRST PRODUCED AT THE THEATRE 

ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, APRIL 5, 1832 ; THE PARK 

THEATRE, NEW YORK, 1832 AND 1845 ; AND THE UNION 

SQUARE THEATRE, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 26, 1874. 



AN ENTIRELY NEW ACTING EDITION. 

(PKESERVING THE AXJTHOB's TEXT ENTIKE.) 



WITH FULL STAGE DIRECTIONS, ACCURATELY MARKED — CAST OP CHARAC- 
TERS — SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY — FULL DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES, EX- 
PRESSLY COMPILED FOR THIS EDITION— BILL FOR PRO- 
GRAMMES — STORY OF THE PLAY REMARKS — AND 

THOSE PORTIONS OF THE PLAY TO BK OMITTED IN 

REPRESENTATION ACCURATELY MARKED 

WITH INVERTED COMMAS. 



EDITED BY 

JOHN M. KINGDOM, 

Author of ^'MarcoreUi,""The Fountain of Beauty," "■A Liff.'s Vengeance," "Tancred, 

"The High Road of Life,'' ''Which is My Husband?" ''The Old Ferry 

Hotise," "Madeline," " Wreck of the Golden Mary," 

" The Tliree Musketeers," etc., etc. 




NEW YOR 
EGBERT M. DE WITT, P 

No. 33 Rose Street. 

(BETWEEN DTJANE A.ND FRANKFORT STREETS.) 

CopyRiGHT, 1876, BY Robert M. De Witx. 



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THE HUNCflBA-CK. 3 

SCENERY. 

(ACCOEDING TO THE OEIGINAL TEXT.) 

ACT I., Scene I. — A Tavern. The flats represent an old-fashioned chamber of 
heavy oak panels, set in the fourth grooves. An old-fashioned carved fireplace, c. 
Doors R. and l. 3 E. Chairs of a like old-fashioned style on either side of the door, 
L,, near which is a table and chair, with wine upon table. Near the door, r., four 
chairs and table, with wine, etc. 

Scetie 2.— The Gardens of Master Walteb's House. The flats set in the second 
grooves represent perspectively beautifully laid out flower-beds, walks, and foun- 
tain, with old-fashioned house in distance. 

Scene 3.— Apartment in Master Walter's House. The flats set in the fourth 
grooves represent one side of the apartment with windows, hung with rich curtains 
opening on to the garden beyond. Tables and chairs, with books, music, and vases 
and flowers, etc., near i.. and r. 3 e. ; everything giving the appearance of a richly - 
furnished room. 

ACT II., Scene 1.— Apartment in Heaetwell's House. Tlie flats set in the 
second grooves represent an oaken chamber, with portraits hung in the panels. 

Scene 2.— Gardens of Heabtwell's House. The flats set in the fourth grooves 
represent terrace and fountains, etc. ; the wings, statuary trees and flowers. Ar- 
bors R and L. u. B. 

Scene 3.— A Street Scene. The flats set in third grooves represent the exterior of 
old-fashioned houses. 

ACT III., Scene 1.— Drawing-room in the Earl of Rochdale's House. The flats 
set in second grooves represent an elegantly-furnished apartment. 

Scene 2.— Apartment in Heartwell's House. The flats set in fourth grooves ; a 
rich table with title deeds and papers upon it, writing materials, etc. — placed to the 
left of the centre, near 3 e. ; chairs on either side of it, and chairs near r. 3 and 2 e. 
Windows at the back looking on to gardens ; curtains, and pictures. 

ACT IV., Scene 1.— A Room in the Earl of Rochdalk's House. The same as 
Scene 1, Act III., set in second grooves. 

Scene 2.— Banqueting Room in tJie same. The flats set in the fourth grooves rep- 
resent one side of a delicately painted and gilded apartment ; an archway, c, hung 
with rich curtains. Doors r. and l. u. e. In tlie panels, which the wings represent, 
are hung portraits ; a gilded table r., with chairs to correspond near the entrances 
on either side of the stage ; handbell on table ; writing materials. 

ACT v., Scene 1.— A Room in the Eaul of Rochdale's House. The same as 
Scene 1, Act III., set in second grooves. 

Scene 2. — Julia's Chamber. An elegantly-furnished apartment, with window c; 
curtains, etc. ; chairs r. and l. of window. The flats are placed in the third grooves. 

Scene 3.— Banqueting Room in the Earl of Rochdale's House. Same as Scene 
2, Aet IV.* 

We will now give the scenery as adopted at the Union Square Theatre, New York. 

ACT I., Scene 1.— The Tavern on Ludgate Hill.t The flats in the third grooves 
represent a heavily-wainscoted ix»om. A door l. ; near it an old«4'asluoned maliog- 
any table and two chairs ; door l. 2 e. ; a high antique carved fireplace, r. tJ. e. ; a 
door l. 2 E., and near it another table and four chairs; a chair to the left of the 
door L. 2 E. 

* In the ordmary representations the Scene of Julia's chamber is omitted, and 
the banqueting room takes tlie place ; Scenes 2 and 3 being thus thrown into one. 

t One of the chief thoroughfares of the old City of London as il is at the present 
time. In this street and the vicinity were a number of taverns, or coffee houses, as 
they were frequently termed, where gay and gallant noblemen and men of fashion, 
wit, and learning assembled, to discuss politics, literature, love, and scandal, every- 
thing in fact, and drinking wine deeply, their revelry ending frequently in a duel 
or a night in the watch-house. A few of these old places are still in existence, 
though, it is hardly necessary to say, somewhat differently conducted and frequented. 



4: THE lIUNCriBACK. 

At the end of this scene the curtain falls, and Scene 2, Act 1. of the original edition 
forvis Act II. 

ACT 21., Scene 1. — The Gardens oIMasteu Walter's Country House. The flats, 
set ii8 far back as possible, represent a fine old mansion with terraces, etc. ; a terrace 
running across the stage k. and l. u. e., approached by a short flight of steps, c, ; 
another flight of steps winds up in a slanting direction, off the stage, l. u. e. ; the 
•wings on either side represent flowering shrubs and trees, with pedestals and mar- 
ble vases with flowers at each entrance. Twining boughs of trees and flowers inter- 
mingled are suspended from above, forming a charming roof or canopy, and a car- 
pet thrown over the stage, to represent a well kept gi-ass plot. 

Act III. of the original version is thrown into tJiis scene, with which Act II. ends, 
and Act III. begins with Act II. of that version, the scene being changed from an apart- 
ment to a garden. 

ACT III , Scene 1.— The Garden of Master Heartwkll's House, near London. A 
rich garden scene represented on the flats with the wings to correspond ; statuary 
on either side ; an arbor, l. v. e. 

Scene 2 <fUie original version is thrown into this scene, and Scene 3 becomes 

Scene 2.— A Street in London. The flats set in second grooves representing ex- 
terior of old-fashion td houses. 

The first scene of Act 111. is omitted, and the second scene changed from an apartment in 
HeaktwelTj's house forms the opening scene of 

ACT /r.— Library in Master Heartwell's House. The flats set in fourth 
grooves represent the interior of library ; antique book-cases and chairs ; window, 
c, and velvet curtains?. Table and chairs, c. of stage, opposite 3 e. An alcove in 
a slanting direction, between 1 and 3 e., on each side of the stage, through which 
is seen richly carved cabinets ; chairs, s. and l. of each alcove ; writing materials ; 
parchments, papers, etc. 

All the following scenes in Ads IV- and V. of the original version arc thrown into one 
scene, which forms 

ACTS V. and FV.— Grand Saloon in the Earl of Rochdale's House. The flats 
set right back represent a handsome picture gallery. In tbe fourth grooves one side 
of the room with a large archway, c, hung with rich velvet curtains, and gold fringe 
and cords to draw up ; two chairs, r., chair and couch, l. ; rich cabinets, near r. and L, 
3 E. An entrance, hung with curtains to gallery, l. 2 e. ; a door, r., 2 e , near which 
is a richly gilded table and three chairs. 



C0STU3IES. 



Master Walter.— A black Old English velvet doublet slashed with black satin; 

black mantle ; black cap and plume ; hunched shoulders ; black truuk.'iand silk 

stockings ; shoes and bows ; sword and cane. 
Sir Thomas Clifford.— A puce silk doublet riohly slashed with crimson, with the 

fiont loose, showing rich lawn shirt with handsome lace collar : a dark velvet 

mantle lined with satin ; dark trunks trimmed with lace at the ends ; russet 

boots ; blue velvet hat, looped up with diamonds and button and feathers ; mf- 

fles of lace ; and lianJsome sword. Second dress ; dark velvet doublet open at; 

bosom, exposing shiit, lace ruffles and collar ; black silk stockings ; shoes; and 

rosettes. 
MoDirs.— Brown velvet doublet, and puce colored silk trimmings ; black trunks ; 

silk stockings and shoes ; lace collar. 
Lord Tinsel. — A beautiful rich green silk doublet and trunks, with lace ruffles and 

collar ; shirt, etc ; white silk stockings ; shoes and rosettes ; buff hat and white 

sweeping feathers. 
Fathom.— Dark brown doublet, open at breast to show shirt ; trunks braided ; white 

collar ; black stockings and shoes; auburn wig. 
Master Wilford.— 1s< Dress : Dark colored doublet of velvet, and mantle lined 

with wliite silk ; lace ruflies and collar ; bl:ck silk trunks, etc. ; shoes and bows; 



THE nuKcnu.vcK. o 

hat and feathers. 2d Dress : Dark-blue silk doublet open ; with lace ruffles and 
collar; dark velvet pantaloons ; silk sLoskings ; russet boots ; rich hat and feath- 
ers : mantle lined with crimson silk ; sometimes it is dressed thus, when he is 

liOBD Rochdale —Scarlet satin mantle, lined with white silk ; doublet of like color, 
slashed with white and scarlet; trunks; white silk stockings ; shoes, etc ; buff 
hat and feathers. 

Gaxlovk. — Similar dress to WiiiFORD's, but of crimson, slashed with white ; silk 
stockings ; shoes ; white hat and feathers, and sword. 

Thomas.— Gray, open doublet, of cloth, and trunks braided ; white collar ; black 
wig ; black stockings, and shoes. 

Mastek Heartwell.— Black velvet doublet, and lace ruffles; trunks with iaced 
bottoms ; lace collar ; gray hat and feathers ; dark brown silk stockings, and 
shoes with rosettes ; stick and sword. 

Stephen. —Chocolate colored doublet and trunks bound with velvet ; purple stock- 
ings, and shoes ; lace collar and ruffles ; plain black hat and white handkerchief. 

HoLDWELL —A similar dress, with the colors, varied to the first dress of Masxeb 

WiLFORD. 

Simpson.- A similar dress 

Waitee.— Black doublet; trunks, stockings, and shoes ; white apron. 

Servant.— Plain gray doublet, and trunks, with dark blue stockings, and shoes; 
white collar. 

Julia.— Is/ Dress : White muslin dress trimmed with lace ; broad hat and blue rib- 
bons. 2d Dress : Light blue satin gown, with bodice and lace trimmings ; broad 
hat and rich feathers. M Dress ; White satin bridal dress and train ; long 
sleeves richly trimmed with lace ; pearl necklace ; white satin shoes. 

Helen.— Is/! Dress : White muslin trimmed with pink silk or satin; hat and feath- 
ers ; rich fan. 2d Dress : Rich blue silk dress, with muslin body and satin train 
of any light and bright color ; ruff ; fan, etc. 



FEOPHRTISS. 

rOE THE OEIGINAL VEESION. 

ACT I., Scene 1.— Two circular old-fashioned tables, and half a dozen chairs to cor- 
respond; wine bottles and goblets. Scene 3.— Two antique carved and gilded 
tables ; chairs to match ; books, music, and vases with flowers; letter. 

J CT II., Scene 1.— Bell. Scene 2. —Vases and pedestals and pieces of statuary. Scene 
3.— Several letters for Stephen. 

ACT III., Scene 1.— Scroll of paper for petition. Scene 2.— A richly-gilded antique 
table ; parchment deeds, papers, and writing materials ; chairs to correspond 
with table ; pictures ; letter for Julia to sign ; parchments and letter for Mas- 
tee Walter ; letter for Thomas. 

ACT IV., Scene 1.— Book for Modus. Scene 2.— Richly-gilded table and chairs ; let- 
ter for Clifford ; hand-bell. 

ACT v., Scene 1.— Book for Modus, ^ceree 2.— Peal of balls; rich jewel case and 
jewels ; light gilded chamber chairs. Scene 3.— Gilded table and chairs; carpet, 
etc. ; parchment. 

UNION SaUAEE VEESION. 
ACT I., Scene l.~Same as above, 
ACT IL, Scene 1 —Statuary, pedestals, and vases with flowers ; carpet to represent 

grass over the entire stage ; letter for Fathom. 
ACT III., Scene 1. — Statuary, pedestals, and vases; bell. Scene 2.— Several letters 

for Stephen. 
AC2' IV.. Scent 1.— Antique bookcases and chairs, with a table of the same kind; 

cabinets to be seen through alcoves ; writing materials ; papers ; parchment 

deeds and letters for Masieb Walxeb ; paper for Julia to sign ; letter for 

Thomas. 



6 THE HUNCHBACK. 

ACTS V. and FJ. —Eichly-gilded table, and chairs to correspond ; couch; cabinets, 
with articles of vii'tu ; letter for Clifford : book for Modus ; writing materials ; 
parchment. 



STORY OF TEE PLAY. 

Op all the members of the leading rank of English nobility some few centuries 
ago, there were very few who could surpass, or even equal, the owner of the title and 
estates of the Earldom of Eochdale. As the author says : 

*' A lord of many lands ! 
In Berkshire half a county : and the same 
In Wilkshire, and in Lancashire. Across 
The Irish Sea a principality. 
And not a rood with bond or lien on it !" 

These large estates, and the large revenues accruing therefrom, necessarily 
required an educated, keen, and careful manager or agent, and this was found in a 
presumed distant relative of the family, one Master Walter, to whom the Earl en- 
trusted the entire control of his large domains. He was a singular man, was Master 
Walter; he was in his demeanor somewhat reserved, and yet withal, there was in 
his manner and action a genial kindness, and a true, outspoken honesty. In every 
respect he was a worthy man, whose word would pass on 'change as easily as his bond, 
BO good was his repute from years of tried experience ; and in all respects a man of 
liberality ; no scheme of public good was ever put forward in his neighborhood, 
but it was supported by his own contributions to a larger extent than those of any 
other person, in addition to that which he was enabled, and authorized to draw 
from hia master's revenues. Retiring in his habits and assuming no prominent posi- 
tion beyond that which his place in society actually required, it was well known 
there were many acts of charity performed which could only emanate from him, 
though outward signs could not trace the authorship. MaiTying young, he antici- 
pated a life of happiness, only, however, doomed to disappointment, for in giving 
birth to a daughter, his wife's life was forfeited. It was then that he felt come upon 
him the great drawback of deformity in his i)ersonal appearance— he was a hunch- 
back .'—and in losing one who had considered that no detriment to his mental quali- 
fications, he felt himself isolated in the world, and he determined still further to 
isolate himself, and bring up his daughter in ignorance of her true relationship, so 
that on such account she should not be wanting in filial affection. Thus years passed 
on, and beneath his tender, fostering care the infant Julia progressed to woman- 
hood, with all the charms that nature could bestow, and mental cultivation enhance. 

It so hapi)ened that time, however, wrought a great change. The Earl's son was 
stricken down with a fatal malady, and he was himself seized with a like disease, to 
which he speedily succumbed. In consequence of this, the titles and estates devolved 
upon one Master Wilford, a very distant relative, a cousin in the third degree, a gay, 
reckless gallant, who, though the son of a gentleman, had been hitherto unnoticed 
by his wealthy relative, and had been glad to enjoy the scanty revenues of a scriven- 
er's clerk, at that time, however, no very mean occupation, and to pass his time in 
gayety and pleasure, his boon companions youthful noblemen, as handsomely equip- 
ped and reckless as himself — whose evenings were spent in the taverns of the city of- 
London, at the period of the play the nightly resort of wealthy profligacy, wit, and 
learning. It is with such a scene as this, when INlaster Walter arrives to search out 
the successor to the title and estates of his deceased master, that the play commences. 
Surrounded by gentlemen, to whom Master Wilford has revealed the great pros- 
pects awaiting him, and who do not fail to blend their congratulations with copious 
draughts of wine, the hunchback meets with a boisterous reception, and his stem 
rebuke upon the levity exhibited at the receipt of the intelligence he brings of Lord 
Rochdale's death, and the consequent accession of Master Wilford to the title and 
estates, calls forth from Gaylove, one of the gallants present, an insulting allusion to 
his deformity. Calm as he usually is, this personal attack is too much to bear, and 



THE nUNCniiACK. / 

Bwords are drawn, but one Sir Thomas Clifford, a youthful baronet, who happens to 
be present, takes the quarrel upon himself, and by his honest, gallant bearing, so 
stems the torrent of the uncalled for attack, that the offender and his party quit the 
tavern, possibly for further brawls, leaving, however, the hunchback and his com- 
panion alone. They recognize each other ; Sir Thomas Clifford, from the stories he 
has heard of the agent's good qualities, and Master Walter, from a clerk in his em- 
ploy, who had once been in the service of Clifford's father. Tlie hunchback, with hia 
usual keenness, at once perceives there is a chance for a fitting husband for hia daugh- 
ter ; be kuows Sir Thomas, as he tells him, to have been trained to knowledge, indus- 
try, frugality, and honesty, and sounding him well, finds that he does not live beyond 
his means, and neither bets nor races, and furthermore, that he has no mistress for 
his house. In glowing language, he describes the charms of Julia, and ends with an 
invitation to visit her, observing with marked meaning : 

" You'll bless the day you served the Hunchback, sir !" 

Julia has been brought up in the country entirely, under the watchful eye of Mas* 
ter Walter, whom she looks upon as her guardian, and for whom she feels and ex- 
presses the deepest affection. Beyond the rural life, which she is lead to believe has 
been enjoined by her unknown father for some family reason, she sees not any at- 
traction, and even the vivid picture of gayety and pleasure which her companion 
Helen describes of city life, tails to have any effect. To her the only true happiness 
of life is to be found in the country ; the principles being firmly impressed iu her 
mind by Master Walter— 

" Nine times in ten the town's a hollow thing, 
Where what things are is naught to what they show ; 
Where merit's name laughs merit's self to scorn ! 
Where friendship and esteem, that ought to be 
The tenants of men's hearts, lodge in their looks 
And tongues alone." 

In one of the sweetest speeches ever written she describes the love and kindness 
exhibited towards her from childhood upwards by the hunchback; but the glowing 
scene is interrupted by his arrival with Sir Thomas, whose unexpected visit naturally 
excites the keenest curiosity. Clifford is not long before he perceives the great at- 
tractions of his host's ward, and he takes a very early opportunity of declaring hia 
passion. This scene is an exceedingly pretty one, and most admirably constructed. 
She is pleased with his handsome, gallant, and manly bearing, but determines to try 
him by insisting that whoever marries her must lead a country life. But to all this 
Clifford is attached— smiles without deceit ; peace and contentment ; the observance 
of nature, winter or summer ; the fireside on a winter's night; all this has charms 
which those in cities fail to find ; and, warmly supporting her views, he again offers 
his hand and fortune. The new-made lovers are, however, abruptly interrupted by 
the sudden entry of Master Walter, who receives intelligence that a written packet 
to be given only to him has been found in the deceased Earl's escritoire, wlach neces- 
sitates a journey to London, whither he determines to take Julia and her companion 
Helen. 

The allurements of the city prove too strong for the country-bred girl, and in the 
ensuing scene there is an admirably-written description of the change which has taken 
place. In the country, five and six o'clock in the morning saw Julia rising from her 
couch, but now those hours see her frequently retiring ; and Master Walter la 
astounded when he receives from his friend Heartwell, at whose house she is staying, 
the astonishing intelligence— 

•' Your country maid has wilted all away, 
And plays the city lady to the heiglit ; 
Her mornings gives to mercers, milliners. 
Shoemakers jewellers, and haberdashers ; 
Her noons, to calls ; her afternoons, to dressing; 
Evenings, to plays or cards ; and nights to routs, 
Balls, niasquerades I Sleep only ends the riot, 
Which waking still begins ! " 



8 THE HUNCHBACK. 

Clifford is naturally alarmed at this sudden and unanticipated change. He fondly 
and mildly remonstrates, but all in vain ; the wayward, fiery spirit has broken 
forth, and the hitherto unthwarted will can brook no control. The wedding has 
been fixed, indeed, it is only a week off, and its near approach aflfords an opportunity 
for a very fine scene, wherein Julia desciibes to Helen the grand position she will 
occupy as Lady Clifford— carriages, retinue; dresses, jewelry, every luxury, in fact, 
that wealth can obtain. But she is overheard by Clifford, who, in a sweetly-wiitten 
speech, reproaches her for her vanity and lack of love for himself, and acquaiats her 
with hia resolve— 

" The day that weds, wives vou to be widowed. 
* * * * * ■ be Lady Clifford I 
My coffers, lands, are all at thy command ; 
Wear all ! but for myself, she wears not me, 
Who would not wear me for myself alone. 
I'll lead thee to the church on Monday week ; 
Till then farewell I and then— farewell forever ! " 

A sad change now comes over the scene. Clifford succeeded to the baronetcy and 
estates upon the presumption that a cousin, who stood before him, had died at sea ; 
but intelligence now arrives that such was not the case, that he was saved, and has 
returned ; consequently, rank and wealth pass away, and Clifford is now all but a 
beggar. 

He acquaints Master Walter with the tidings ; but in him it works no difference 
outwardly ; he has studied closely the merits of his intended son-in-law, and he per- 
ceives and recognizes his worth in poverty as in prosperity. The difficulty is how to 
deal with his daughter, to strike the gay and high-flown city notions from her mind, 
and bring back again the purity of country life and the principles of true love, for 
that she loves Clifford he is convinced ; it is a proud spirit that will not brook any 
guidance or control which prevents her acknowledging it and yielding. That this is 
the case is shown in a very spirited scene indeed, wherein Helen, with an immensity 
of gay and sparkling maliciousness, assisted by her quiet, bookworm cousin. Modus, 
and acting upon the instructions of Master Walter, informs Julia of Clifford's fall, 
and tells her how they will tease and worry him, and what delightful pleasure it will 
be to call him plain " Master " Clifford, instead of " Sir Thomas " ; which calls forth 
frequent bursts of anger from Julia, showing, though she will not admit it, that 
her entire love is his. 

Master Walter's plans prosper. The new Earl of Rochdale, enchanted by the 
beauty of Julia, offers her his hand and title, which she declines ; but, upon the rup- 
ture with Clifford, he makes a second offer, and entrusts it to Master Walter, who 
acts as agent to him as he did to the deceased Earl, for delivery. This affords inci- 
dents for one of the finest scenes in the play. Now that Clifford is poor Julia feels 
her love return stronger than ever ; but her pride is in the way ; she will not ac- 
knowledge her faults, and he will not seek her. In her angry pettishness she avows 
her hate for him, and Master Walter, seizing the opportunity, informs her of Lord 
Rochdale's second offer, descants upon his high position and large estates, and urges 
her, out of revenge, to accept his proi)osal, placing the letter before her : 

" Write thy own name. 
And show how near akiu thy hate's to hate." 

She does sign ; and when it is too late bitterly bemoans her hasty act. The 
step cannot, however, be retraced, and, accompanied by her guardian, Helen, and 
her cousin, she proceeds to the Earl's country seat. 

Upon their arrival there, one of the most amusing and brilliant comedy scenes ever 
written ensues between the gay and vivacious Helen, who is really deeply in love 
with her cousin Modus, but whom she is unable to draw out of a quiet, sleepy, 
dreamy sort of way, constantly studying Greek and Latin books, more especially 
" Ovid's Alt of Love." 

Pursuing the plan he has formed, Master Walter never ceases to speak of his 
-wealth and position; but he does not fail to see the old love still remains firm. 



TDE HUNCKBACK. 9 

He tells her a sweetly-written story (which is, however, much curtailed in rep- 
resentation, why, I know not) of a princess and a page, who is seized and confined in 
a dungeon upon her father discovering their love ; but at night another page appears ; 
it is the princess in disguise ; the door flies open ; a steed is ready to bear them both 
away to liberty. Enraptured with the tale Julia exclaims : 

" Oh ! happy princess, that had wealth and state. 
To lay them down for love I " 

and in the most glowing terms reveals how strongly the sentiment reigns witliin her 
breast. 

At this moment a servant announces that the Earl, who is absent, has sent his sec- 
retary with a letter, which he is waiting to deliver. Master Walter, considering it 
to be a private communication, withdi-aws, reminding her that the morrow sees her a 
wedded bride. The secretary is ushered in, and as he announces his errand in low 
and humble tones, they strike upon her ear as those to which she has been accus- 
tomed ; her courage fails ; she suspects, but dare not satisfy her anxiety ; at last. 
summoning up all her strength, she turns and takes the letter. It is Clifford — 
plainly clad— yet as handsome and as noble as ever. In brilliantly, written language 
he alludes to the past, but she nerves herself to the task of preserving her position as 
the promised bride of anoth.er ; yet when he kneels and implores her pardon, true- 
love breaks forth, and she throws herself into his arms upon his assurance that the 
nuptials can be avoided with honor. 

These blissful moments are, however, interrupted, by the return of Master Walter, 
who, recognizing the secretary, orders his immediate withdrawal, at the same time 
artfully and purposely turning away— giving them time for further converse, and 
affording an opportunity to Clifford to declare to Julia— 

" The ring that goes thy wedding finger on, 
No hand save mine shall place there !" 

The marriage morn approaches, and the meeting of Master Walter and Julia 
brings forth an explanation. It is a magnificently constructed scene, and the lan- 
gn ige of the finest and most telling kind. He traces her career from childhood up- 
wai-ds : her youth being passed in privacy as her father willed ; his selection of a 
fitting partner ; her love lor him, and acceptance; their journey to town ; and her 
sudden change. In vain she appeals for pardon, and rrnplores him to prevent the 
match ; kindly, but firmly, he reminds her of her promise ; her honor is at stake, and 
she must nerve herself for the trying ordeal. 

Lord Rochdale and the guests arrive, and as a last chance, Julia avows her love 
for Clifford, and implores to be freed from her promise. A refusal follows— Clifford 
beseeches her not to give her hand ; she hesitates ; when the hunchback reminds her 
that she has a father. With vehement energy she exclaims : 

" Bring him now — 
To see thy Julia justify thy training, 
And lay her lite down to redeem her word ! " 

Struck with admiration, he gazes upon her for a moment, then demands of the 
Earl if it is his wish the nuptials should go on, and being answered in the affirma- 
tive, exclaims : 

" Then it is mine they stop !" 

Then comes the astounding revealation that the hunchback's father, a former Earl 
of Rochdale, disgusted with his son's deformity, had placed him away when an in- 
fant, and had left behind him a written testament only to be opened in case his heir 
(his younger brother) should die without a son. His heir and son had both died, and 
consequently Master Walter now becomes Earl of Rochdale. Amazed and bewildered 
as they are, the company are still more so, when he proclaims Julia to be his daugh- 
ter, explaining the motives for the concealment, and placing her hand in Clifford's, 
fully realizes the prophecy that he would bless the day he served the Hunchback I 



10 THE HUNCHBACK. 



REMARKS. 

Of the numerous plays written by James Sheridan Knowles, few have been more 
popular than the present one ; indeed, with the exception of " Virgiuius " (which the 
celebrated tragedian, Mr. Macready, considered the finest), " William Tell," *' The 
"Wife," " The Love Chase," and '* The Hunchback," his productions achieved a very 
moderate success, and, after a brief career, have past into oblivion. 

Whilst but a youth he exhibited a strong predilection for the drama, by writing, 
at sixteen years of age, a five-act tragedy entitled "The Spanish Story," a piece of 
very fair average merit. This was followed by " Hersilia," and "The Gypsy," which 
was acted at Waterford, in Ireland, the celebrated tragedian, Edmund Kean (with 
whom the author was performing; both then unknown to fame), playing the hero. 
Then came a melo-drama, entitled " Brian Boroighme," founded upon the history 
of an Irish prince of that name, who, many centuries ago, defeated the Danes at 
Clontarf, Ireland, in a very sanguinary battle. Mrs. Knowles represented the hero- 
ine, Kean the hero, and the author (who was first singer at the theatre, which shows 
the versatility of his talent), the high priest. After this came a highly classical play, 
called " Caius Gracchus," followed by his great Eoman play, " Virginius," which 
was produced at Glasgow, Scotland in April, 1820, and with which Mr. Macready 
was so highly pleased that he secured its production in London immediately after_ 
ward, and made the leading character one of the greatest of his successes. Then 
came his fine play of " William Tell," in which Mr. Macready made another hit ; 
and which also proved very successful in Ireland, where the author made a long 
professional tour, not altogether a very satisfactory one, more especially in his birth- 
place, the City of Cork, where he met with such a tame reception, more particularly 
in a pecuniarv sense, upon the night of his benefit that he observed to a friend : "My 
plays are too liberal for the aristocratic illiberals of Ireland— they breathe the noble 
sentiments of liberty, and such are not the sentiments of the influential classes in 
Ireland. 1 do not regret the creation of those sentiments I am going to a place 
where the feelings and reality of liberty exist in their most glowing forms— and not 
the form alone, but the embodied spirit. I am going to America."* 

After " William Tell " came " The Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal Green," founded 
upon a ballad in Percy's " Reliques of Ancient Poetry," a drama of faulty construc- 
tion, and which proved a failure. It was followed by another work, " Alfred the 
Great " ; but, although it had the powerful support of Macready in the principal 
character, its success was only temporary. We now come to the present play ; with 
respect to which it is best to give the author's introduction to the first edition, pub- 
lished in 1832 : 

"Thi3 comedy owes its existence to the failure of ' The Beggar's Daughter of 
Bethnal Green,' which was produced under the most unfavorable circumstances, and 
in the unavoidable absence of the author. I did not like to be baffled, especially, as 
I thought, without good reason ; and, cheered by the generous, enthusiastic advoca- 
cy of the Atlast (a perfect stranger to me), I set to work upon ' The Hunchback.' 

"My friend, Mr. Macready,! who was very angry with me for again attempting a 
walk in which I had failed— and who came to Glasgow solely, I believe, for the ob- 
ject of expostulating with me,— was the first to encourage me to proceed. I had com- 
pleted my first act. I read it to him, and he told me to go on. This I thought the 

* This was in 1825, but he did not leave England for the United States until July, 
1834. 

t The title of one of the leading newspapers published in London at that period. 

X Although the author alludes thus to Macready. who was his greatest friend and 
admirer, and had been the means of introducing him so prominently to the public by 
effecting the production of "Virginius" in London, it is curious to note that in the 
Reminiscences of that eminent tragedian there is not the slightest allusion to thia, 
subject. The only times he refers to this play are on August 20. 1832 : ' Went to 
Haymarket to see ' The Hunchback '—a beautiful play very indifferently acted " ; 
and on the following day, August 21: "Wrote criticism on 'The Hunchback' " ; 
but the why or the wherefore does not appear. 



THE HUNCHBACK. 



11 



happiest of omens, for many a proof had he given me of his admirable judgment in 
such things. This happened about two years ago. 

" It was not, however, until the latter end of the summer of 1831 that I had lei- 
sure to proceed with my work. I recommenced it in the pleasant walks about Bir- 
mingham, and completed it on the sands of Newhaven— my roomy study ; where, at 
the same time, I remodelled ' Alfred.' I brought both plays up to town with me iu 
April last. 

" ' The Hunchback ' was read to Mr. Lee, and instantly accepted by that gentle- 
man, who, without hesitation, granted me terms even more advantageous than those 
which I required for it from Covent Garden, and to whose polite and Uberal deport- 
ment towards me, during his brief, divided reign of management, I joyfully take 
this opportunity of bearing testimony. The play, however, was defective in the 
under-plot, which was perfectly distinct from the main one. This error Mr. Mac- 
ready pointed out to me-as did subsequently Mr. Morton, in an elaborate critique 
as full of kindness as of discrimination. My avocations, however, did not leave me 
at liberty to revise my work till about two months ago, when 1 constructed my 
under-plot anew; and, having done my best to obviate objections, presented 'The 
Hunchback ' to Drury Lane, from which establishment I subsequently withdrew it, 
because it was not treated with the attention which I thought ifc merited." 

Upon this withdrawal, the author took his play to Covent Garden Theatre, and 
was so warmly received by the management that he very soon, to quote his own 
words, "found a home indeed, and among friends." 

In little more than a fortnight the play was ready, improved and strengthened 
bv curtailment and condensation, kindly and judiciously suggested by experienced 
and practical friends, and warmly and gratefully accepted. Its first representation 
was a great success, owing much (apart from the intrinsic merits) to the fine per- 
formances of Miss Fanny Kemble. It subsequently had the advantage of the still 
finer acting of Miss Ellen Tree (afterwards Mrs. Charles Kean). 

The success of the play in London soon caused its production in America, and a 
piece so brilliantly popular both before and behind the curtain, was first produced at 
the Park Theatre, New York, June 10, 1832, with the cast mentioned at the com- 
mencement. It was also produced the same night at the Richmond Hill Theatre, 
with Mr. Hilson as Master Waller; Mr. Clarke as Sir Thomas Clifford; Mrs. Barnes 
as Jidia ; and Mrs. Hilson as Helen ; a quartette in poiutof merit more than a match 
for the Park competitors, but there, however, the subordinate characters were much 
superior, and Mr. H. Placide especially won high applause by his perfect embodi- 
ment of the droll stupidity of Fathom, making it far more effective, as the author 
afterwards acknowledged, than it had ever been rendered upon the English stage ; 
indeed, it is said that he candidly admitted he had never thought it possible to make 
the character so attractive. The play was not, however, at first quite so successful 
as expected ; the fine drawn character of the heroine, upon which the author had 
lavished all his skill and power, failing of its intended effect, until the magic of 
Fanny Kemble's genuis placed it in a position of favor from which the rude handling 
of many an ignorant debutante and many ambitious aspirants for tragic honors have 
been unable to dislodge it. The sensation create! by the appearance of Mr. and 
Miss Kemble, is stated to ha ye been equalled in kind only in the days of Cooke and 
the elder Kean, and in duration and intensity, was altogether unparalleled ; the in- 
tellectual, educated and refined, crowded the theatre when they performed, and 
during their entire stay their popularity never waned. 

On October 15, 1832, it was produced also at the New York Theatre, better known 
as the Bowery Theatre, with Mr. Hamblin as Sir Thomas Clifford, and Miss Vincent 
as Julia ; it proved a decided hit. 

In 1845 this popular play was again successfully introduced to the public with a 
powerful array of talent, as wiU be seen by referring to the cast. That it should suc- 
ceed, was a moral certainty, the sweet acting of the talented and highly gifted Mrs. 
Charles Kean being sufficient in itself to ensure success. Gentleman, scholar, and 
actor, as Mr. Charles Keau was, he was unsuited to the part of Sir Thomas Clifford 



12 THE HUNCHBACK. 

both in voice and figure ; of this he was well aware, for it was a character he seldom 
attempted ; when he did so, 1 believe it was only done to show off the briJliant abil- 
ity of his wife. 

It was again produced upon the fonrth of June, 1847, upon the occasion of a com- 
plimentary benefit given to Mrs. James Mason, formerly Miss Emma Wheatley, by 
a number of leading citizens. She appeared as Julia, which is stated to have been 
her best character, and judtjing from the accounts handed down, was most ably sup- 
ported by Mr. Bass as Master Walter, Mr. Wheatley as Sir Thomas Clifford, Mr. G. 
Barrett as Modus, and Mrs. Abbott as Hden. The performance was a great success ; 
it was Mrs. Mason's last appearance, and in every respect it was a flattering end to a 
career eminent alike for professional skill and private worth. 

It rested now pretty well until the 30th of August, 1862, when it was produced at 
the Broadway Theatre, with Mr. F. Conway as Master Walter, Mr. Grosvenor as 
Modus, Mr Florence as Lord Tinsel, Miss Julia Dean as Julia, and Miss Annie 
Londsale as Ildeii ; meeting with very fail- success. 

But it was reserved until the year 1874 to witness what may literally and truly be 
called one of the greatest triumphs of this play. In the month of October in 
that year it was produced at the Union Square Theatre, New York, in a manner, 
both as regards the acting and the mounting, that, as a whole, has very rarely been 
surpassed ; indeed, the style in which it was put ujxjn the stage reflected the great- 
est possible credit upon the liberality of the proprietor, Mr. Sheridan Shook, and the 
good taste and judgment of the manager, Mr. A. M. Palmer. Mr. F. Eobinson's 
Master Walter and the Sir Thomos Clifford of Mr. Charles R Thorne, Jr., were ad- 
mirably rendered ; the Modus of Mr. Stuart Eobson and the Fathom of Mr. J. E. 
Irving everything that could be deiiired. Miss Clara Morris made an excellent Julia, 
and though wanting in some respects the softness and sweetness thrown into the 
part by her great predecessors, in many instances she rendered the character most 
powerfully and effectively. I should think a better Heleji than Miss Kate Claxton 
has not been seen upon the New York stage for some years, if at all. It has rarely 
been my lot to see a finer piece of acting or one greeted with louder or more genuine 
applause than the scene between her and Modus, in which they discourse upon Ovid 
and the art of love. It will be some time, I think, before the masterpiece of Knowles 
will be better mounted or more effectively acted. 

I will here take the opportunity of saying that I am indebted for much of the fore- 
going material to Mr. Ireland's "History of the New York Stage," which is one of 
the best works of the kind I have met with, and I tender him my sincere thanks for 
the information obtained from it, not only for this play, but for others which I have 
had the honor and pleasure of editing. 

J. M. Kingdom. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means Eight of Stage, facing the Audience ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; R. C. Right 
of Centre ; L. C. Left of Centre. D. F. Door in the Flat, or Scene running across 
the back of the Stage ; C. D. F. Centre Door in the Flat ; R. D. F. Right Door in 
the Flat ; L. D. F. Left Door in the Flat ; 11. D. Eight Door ; L. D. Lett Door ; 1 E. 
First Entrance: 2 E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance ; 1, 2 or 3 G. First, 
Second or Third Grooves. 

R. R. C. C. L. C. L. 

B3~ The reader is supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. 



THE HUNCHBACK. 13 

BILL FOR PROGRAMMES. 

AS ORIGINALLY PLAYED. 
ACT I, 

Scene T.— INTERIOR OF A TAVERN. 
A Gallant Coi'otcsal — Extr-avagance, Love, and Wine — An Expectant Earl and 
his Boon Companions^ — Arrival of the Hunchhack — The Tidings of 
Death — A Gallant in his Cups — The Quarrel — A Friend in Need — The 
Story of Sir Thomas Clifford— The Offer of a Wife. 

Scene II.— THE GARDENS OF MASTER WALTER'S HOUSE. 
The Fair Julia and her Companion Helen — Town and Country Life — The 
Story of a Loving Guardian — An TTnexpecled Visitor — Woman's Curi- 
osity. 

Scene III. -APARTMENT IN MASTER WALTER'S HOUSE. 
Love at First Sight — Sir Thomas Wooes a Rural Bride — Lovers Disturbed — 

Departure for Totcn. 

Acr II. 

Scene I.-APARTMENT IN MASTER HEART WELL'S HOUSE. 
Town and Country Servants — Julia Transformed to a City Beauty — High No- 
tions and Late Hours. 

Scene IL-THE GARDENS OF HEART WELL'S HOUSE. 
A Meeting of Old Friends — The Pleasures of High Life — Gayeiy and Love — 
A Fickle Woman — The Wedding Day Fixed — Visions of Pleasure and 
Extravagance — A Lover' s Remonstrance — " Til Lead Thee to the Church, 
and then — Farewell for ever ! " 

Scene III.— A STREET. 
Alarming News — Sir Thomas reduced to Poverty — A Faithful Servant — The 
Dead come to Life — Anger of Master Walter. 
ACT III. 
Scene I.-DRAWING ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. 
Lndignation of his Lordship at Jidia^s Refusal to Marry — Rank Better than 
Brains — Birds of a Feather — Fashionable Amusements. 
Scene II —APARTMENT IN MASTER HEARTWELL'S HOUSE. 
True Love Runs not Smoothly — Offended Pride — A Woman Crossed and 
Vexed— -The Temptation of a Coronet — Pride is Triumphant, and the Old 
Love Cast off—Neus of Clifford's Ruin — Jidia's Anguish— An Art fid 
Plot — The Marriage Deeds Prepared. 

ACT IV. 

Scene L— A ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOU E, 
Helen and her Cousin Modus— Ovid^s Art of Love — Bashful Simplicity — A 
Lively Trap to catch a Timid Lover — A Bold Resolve — " Hang Ovid's 
Art of Love! L'll Woo my Cousin!' 

Scene II.— BANQUETING ROOM IN THE SAME. 
Master Walter and his Ward — The Story of the Princess and the Page — A 



14 THK HUNCHBACK. 

Message from the Earl of Rochdale — Master Walter's Warning — The 
Poor Secretary, Sir Thomas Clifford — Bitter Anguish of Julia— Love 
Overcomes Pride ^ and Clifford Wins — Unexpected Entrance of the 
Hunchback — Dismissal of Clifford. 

ACT V. 

Scene I.- A ROOM IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. 

A Scheming Woman — Helen's Plan for Jidia's Flight — A Plot for Marriage 
— A Simple Lover, and a Woman's Teaching — A Happy Result — Love 
Victorious. 

SckNE II —JULIA'S CHAMBER. 

Preparations for the Wedding — Anguish of Julia — Arrival of the Hunch' 
back — Agonizing Appeal of Julia — He Pictures to Her the Sweetness of 
Her Country Life— There is no Hope— Arrival of the Bridegroom and 
Guests— Pathetic Appeal of Jidia— Refusal of the Bridegroom — Sudden 
Intervention of Master Walter — Startling Disclosures ! The Hunch- 
back is Earl of Rochdale, and Jidia his Daughter ! — Union of Jidia and 
Sir Thomas Clifford. 

AS PLAYED AT THE UNION SQUARE THEATRE. 

ACT I. 

Scene L-SAME AS ABOVE, ACT I., SCENE IL 

ACT II. 

Scene I.— THE GARDENS OF MASTER WALTER'S COUNTRY HOUSE. 

The incidents described above in Act I., Scenes 2 and 3. 

AC r III. 

Scene IL-THE GARDENS OF MASTER HEARTWELL'S HOUSE NEAR 
LONDON. 

The incidents descibed above in Act IL, Scenes 1 and 2. 

Scene III.— A STREET IN LONDON, SAME AS ACT IL, SCENE IIL 
ACT IV. 
Scene L-LIBRARY IN MASTER HEARTWELL'S HOUSE. 
The incidents described above in Act III, Scene 2. 

ACT V. 
Scene L-GRAND SALOON IN THE EARL OF ROCHDALE'S HOUSE. 
The incidents described above in Act IV., Scenes 1 and 2. 

ACT VI. 

Scene L-THE SAME. 
The incidents described above in Act V., Scenes 1, 2, and 3. 



THE HUNCHBACK. 



ACT T. 

SCENE l.—A tavern. Sir Thomas Clifford at a table with wine before 
him, L. c, Master Wilford, Gaylove, Holdwell, and Simpsu.v, 
likewise taking wine, at table near r. 2 E. 

Wilford. Your wine, sirs ; your wine; you do not justice to mine 
host of the Three Tuns, nor credit to yourselves. I swear tlie beverage 
is good ! It is as palatable poison as you will j)urchase within a mile 
round Ludgate. Drink, gentlemen ; make free. You know 1 am a man 
of expectations, and hold my money as light as the purse in which I 
carry it. 

Gaylove. We drink. Master Wilford ; not a man of us has been 
chased as yet. 

WiLF. But you fill not fairly, sirs. Look at my measure! Where- 
fore a large glass, if not for a large draught ? Fill, I pray you, else let 
us drink out of thimbles. This will never do for the friends of the 
nearest of kin to the wealthiest peer in Britain. 

Gay. We give you joy, Master Wilford, of the prospect of advance- 
ment which has so unexpectedly opened to you. 

WiLF. Unexpectedly indeed ! But yesterday arrived the news that 
the earl's only son and heir had died, and to-day has the earl himself 
been seized with a mortal illness. His dissolution is looked for liourly, 
and I, his cousin in only the third degree, known to him but to be un- 
noticed by him — a decayed gentleman's son — glad of the title and 
revenues of a scrivener's clerk — am the undoubted successor to his es- 
tates and coronet. 

Gay. Have you been sent for ? 

WiLF. No ; but I have certified to his agent, Master Walter, the 
hunchback, my existence and pecuhar propinquity; and momentarily 
expect him here. 

" Gay. Lives there any one that may dispute your claim— I mean 
vexatiously '? 

" WiLF. Not a man, Master Gaylove. I am the sole remaining branch 
of the family tree." 

Gay. Doubtless you look for much happiness from this change of 
fortune 1 

WiLF. A world ! Three things have I an especial passion for : the 
finest hound, the finest horse, and the finest wife in the kingdom, Mas- 
ter Gaylove. 

Gay. The finest wife ! 

WiLF. Yes, sir ; 1 marry. Once the earldom comes into my line, 1 
shall take measures to perpetuate its remaining there. I marry, sir! I 
do not say that I shall love. My heart has changed mistresses too 



16 TUE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. 

often to settle down in one servitude now, sir. But fill, I pray you, 
friends. This, if I mistake not,, is the day whence 1 shall date my new 
fortunes, " and for that reason, hither have I invited you, that having 
been so long my boon companions, you should be the first to congratu- 
late me." 

Enter Waiter, l. d. 

Waiteii You are wanted. Master Wilford. 
WiLF, By whom 1 
Waiter One Master Walter. 

WiLF. His Lordship's agent I News, sirs ! Show him in I {rises.) 

[Exit Waiter, i. d. 
My heart's a prophet, sirs — the Earl is dead. 

Enter Master Walter, l. d. 

Well, Master Walter ; how accost you me 1 {all come forward, except Clif- 
ford, R.) 

Walter. As your impatience shows me you would have me, 

My Lord, the Earl of Rochdale ! 
Gay. Give you joy ! 

Holdwell. All happiness, my lord ! 

Simpson. Long life and health unto your lordship ! 
" Gay. Ccmie ! 

" We'll drink to his lordship's health ! 'Tis two o'clock. 

" We'll e'en carouse till midnight! Health, my lord !" 
Hold. My lord, much joy to you ! Huzza ! {all go to the table, Jill and 

drink.) 
"Simp. Huzza!" 

Walt. (l. c). Give something to the dead ! 
Gay. Give what 1 

Walt. Respect I 

He has made the living ! First to him that's gone 

Say "Peace," and then with decency to revels. 
Gay. What means the knave by revels ? {advances toward Walter ) 
Walt. Knave ! 

Gay. Ay, knave ! 

Walt. Go to ! Thou'rt flushed with wine. 
Gay. Thou sayest false ! 

Tho' didst thou need a proof thou speakest true, 

I'd give thee one. Thou seest but one lord here, 

And I see two ! 
Walt. Reflect'st thou on my shape 1 

Thou art a villain ! 
Gay. Ha ! 

Walt. A coward too ! (walks from him, l ) 

Draw ! ( drawing h is s word. ) 
Gay. Only mark him. how he struts about ! 

How laughs his straight sword at his noble back. 
Walt. Does it 1 It cuffs thee for a liar, then ! {strikes him with his 

sword.) 
Gay. a blow 1 

Walt, {striking again). Another, lest you doubt the first ! 
Gay. His blood on his own head ! I'm for you, sir ! {dratcs.\ 
Clifford {rising, and coming forivard, R. of Walter, and drawing). 

Hold, sir ! This quarrel's mine ! 
Walt. No man shall fight for me, sir 1 



ACT I.] THE HUxNCHBlCK. 17 

Clip. By your leave— 

Your patience, pray ! My lord— for so I learn 

Behooves me to accost you — for your own sake 

Draw off your friend ! 
Walt. Not till we have a bout, sir! 
" Clif. My lord, your happy fortune ill you greet — 

" 111 greet it those who love you — greeting thus 

'• The herald of it ! 
" Walt. Sir, what's that to you 1 

Let go my sleeve ! 
" Clip. My lord, if blood be shed 

" On the fair dawn of your prosperity, 

" Look not to see the brightness of its day. 

" 'Twill be o'ercast throughout !" 
Gay. My lord, I'm struck ! 

Clip. You gave the first blow, and the hardest one ! 

Look, sir ; if swords you needs must measure, I'm 

Your mate, not he. 
Walt. I'm mate for any man ! 

"Clip. Draw off your friend, my lord, for your own sake !" 
Wilf. Come, Gajiove, let us have another room. 
Gay. With all my heart, since 'tis your lordship's will ! 
WiLP. That's right ! Put up ! Come, friends ! 

[Uxeunt WiLFORD and friends, r. d. 
Walt. I'll follow him ! 

Why do you hold me 1 'Tis not courteous of you ! 

" Think' St thou I fear them ? Fear ! I rate them but 

" As dust ! dross ! ofFals ! Let mo at them — Nay, 

"Call you this kind 1 then kindness know I not ;" 

Nor do I thank you for't! Let r,o, I say ! 
Clip. Nay, Master Walter, they're not worth your wrath ! 
Walt. How know you me for Master Walter y By 

My hunchback, eh 1 — " my stilts of legs and arms, 

" The fashion more of ape's, than man's 1 Aha ! 
" So you have heard them, too — their savage gibes 

"As I pass on — ' There goes my lord !' aha !" 

God made me, sir, as well as them and you. 

'Sdeath ! I demand of you, unhand me, sir ! {aisengaging him- 
self.) 
Clip, {puts up his sword). There, sir, you're free to follow them ! Go 
forth, 

And I'll go, too ; so on your wilfulness 

Shall fall whate'er of evil may ensue. 

Is't fit to waste your choler on a burr 1 

" The nothings of the town 7 wliose sport it is 

'* To break their villain jests on worthy men, 

" The graver, still the fitter ! Fie, for shame !" 

Regard what such would say '? So would not I, 

No more than heed a cur ! 
Walt. You're right, sir ; right ; 

For twenty crowns ! ( puts up his sword) So there's my rapier up. 

You've done me a good turn against my will. 

Which, like a wayward child, whose pet is off. 

That made him restive under wholesome check, 

I now rightly humbly own, and thank you for. 
Clif. No thanks, good Master Walter, owe you me ! 

I'm glad to know you, sir. 



18 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I, 

Walt. I pray you, tell me 

How did you learn my name 1 Guessed I not right ? 

Was't not my comely hunch that taught it you 1 
Clip. I own it. 
Walt. Right, I know it ; you tell truth. 

I like you for't. 
Clip. But when I heard it said 

That Master Walter was a worthy man, 

Whose word would pass on 'change soon as his bond ; 

A liberal man — for schemes of public good 

That sets down tens where others units write; 

A charitable man — the good he does, 

Is told of, not the half — I never more 

Could feel the hunch on Master Walter's back. 
Walt. You would not flatter a poor citizen 1 
Clip. Indeed, I flatter not. 
Walt. I like your face ; 

A frank and honest one ! Your frame's well knit, 

Proportioned, shaped ! 
Clip. Good, sir ! 

Walt. Your name is Clifford — (^Clif- 

ford botvs) 

Sir Thomas Clifford. Humph ! You're not the heir 

Direct to the fair baronetcy 1 He 

That was drowned abroad. Am I not right 1 

Your cousin, was't not ? So succeeded you 

To rank and wealth your birth ne'er promised you. 
Clif. I see you know my history. 
Walt. I do. 

You're lucky who conjoin the benefits 

Of penury and abundance ; for I know 

Your father was a man of slender means. 

You do not blush, I see. That's right ! Why should you ? 

What merit to be dropped on fortune's hill ? 

The honor is to mount it. You'd have done it ; 

For you were trained to knowledge, industry, 

Frugality, and honesty, — the sinews 

That surest help the climber to the top, 

And keep him there. I have a clerk, Sir Thomas, 

Once served your father ; there's the riddle for you. 

Humph ! I may thank you for my life to-day. 
Clip. I pray you, say not so ! 
Walt. But I will say so ! 

Because I think so, know so, feel so, sir ! 

Your fortune, I have heard, I think, is ample ; 

And doubtless you live up to't ? 
Clip. 'Twas my plan, 

And is so still, to keep my outlay, sir, 

A span within my means. 
" Walt. A prudent rule. 

*' The turf is a seductive pastime ! 
" Clip. Yes. 

** Walt. You keep a racing stud ? You bet ? 
" Clip. No, neither. 

** 'Twas still my father's precept — ' Better owe 
" A yard of land to labor, than to chance 
•* Be debtor for a rood !' " 



ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACK. 19 

Walt. *' 'Twas a wise precept." 

You've a fair house — you'll get a mistress for it ? 

Clif. Ill time. 

Walt. In time ! 'Tis time thy choice were made. 

Is't not so yet 1 Or is thy lady-love 
The newest still thou see'st ? 

Clip, Nay, not so. 

I'd marry, Master Walter, but old use — 
For, since the age of thirteen, 1 have lived 
In the world — has made me jealous of the thing 
That flattered me with hope of profit. Bargains 
Another would snap up might lie for me 
Till I had turned and turned them ! Speculations 
That promised twenty, thirty, fortj'', fifty, 
Ay, cent, per cent, returns, I would not launch in 
When others were afloat, and out at sea 1 
Whereby I made small gains, but missed great losses ! 
As ever then I looked before I leaped, 
So do I now. 

Walt. Thou'rt all the better for't ! 

(aside) Let's see ! Hand free — heart whole — well favored — so ! 
Rich — titled ! Let that pass — kind, valiant, prudent — 
(aloud) Sir Thomas, I can help thee to a wife, 
Hast thou the luck to win her. 

Clip, {astonished). « Master Walter ! 

You jest ! 

Walt. I do not jest — I like you ! mark — 

I like you, and 1 like not every one ! 
I say a wife, sir, can I help you to ; 
The pearly texture of whose dainty skin 
Alone were worth thy baronetcy ! Form 
And feature has she, wherein move and glow 
The charms, that in the marble cold and still 
Culled by the sculptor's jealous skill, and joined there, 
Inspire us ! Sir, a maid, before whose feet 
A duke — a duke might lay his coronet. 
To lift her to his state and partner her ! 
A fresh heart, too ! A young, fresh heart, sir, one 
That Cupid has not toyed with, and a warm one. 
Fresh, young, and warm ! mark that! a mind to boot. 
Wit, sir ; sense, taste ; a garden strictly tended — 
Where naught but what is costly flourishes. 
A consort for a king, sir ! Thou shalt see her. 

Clip. I thank you. Master Walter ! (with spirit) E'en while you speak, 
Methinks I see me at the altar foot, 
Her hand fast locked in mine — the ring put on, 
My wedding bell ring merry in my ear. 
And round me throng glad tongues that give me joy 
To be the bridegroom of so fair a bride ! (crosses.) 

Walt, (aside). What ! sparks so thick ! We'll have a blaze anon ! 

Enter Servant, l. d. 

Serv. The chariot's at the door. 
Walt. It waits in time. 

Sir Thomas, it shall bear thee to the bower 



20 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. 

Where dwells this fair, for she's no city belle, 

But e'en a Sylvan goddess. 
Clip. Have with you ! 

Walt. You'll bless the day you served the hunchback, sir !* 

[E:r€unt, h. D. 

SCENE II. — A garden before a coimtrrj housc.-\ 
Enter Julia and Helen, r. 

Helen (l.). I like not, Julia, this, your country life. 
I'm weary on't. 

Julia (r.). Indeed! So am not I! 

I know no other ; would no other know. 

Helen. You would no other know ! Would you not know 
Another relative '? — another friend — 
Another house — another anything, 
Because the ones you have already please you 1 
That's poor content ! " Would you not be more rich ? 
" More wise, more fair 1" The song that last you learned 
You fancy well, and therefore, shall you learn 
No other song? Your virginal, 'tis true, 
Hath a sweet tone; but does it follow thence, 
You shall not have another virginal 1 
You maij love, and a sweeter one, and so 
A sweeter life may find, than this you lead ! 

Julia. I seek it not. Helen, I'm constancy ! 

Helen. So is a cat, a dog, a silly hen, 

An owl, a bat — where they are wont to lodge 
That still sojourn, nor care to shift their quarters. 
Thou'rt constancy ? I'm glad I know thy name • 
The spider comes of the same family, 
That in his meshy fortress spends his life, 
Unless you pull it down, and scare him from it. 
" And so thou'rt constancy 1 Art proud of that] 
"I'll warrant thee I'll match thee with a snail, 
" From year to year that never leaves his house ! 
" Such constancy, forsooth ! A constant grub 
" That houses ever in the self-same nut 
" Where he was born, 'till hunger drives him out, 
''Or plunder breaketh thro' his castle wall 1" 
And so, in very deed, thou'rt constancy 1 

Julia. Helen, you know the adage of the tree — 

I've ta'en the bend. This rural life of mine. 

Enjoined me by an unknown father's will, 

I've led from infancy. Debarred from hope 

Of change, I ne'er have sigh'd for change. The town 

To me was like the moon, for any thought 

I e'er should visit it— nor was I schooled 

To think it half so fair ! 

Helen. Not half so fair ! 

The town's the sun, and thou hast dwelt in night 
E'er since thy birth, not to have seen the town ! 

* In the version plaj-ed at the Union Square Theatre, New York, Act I. ends 
liere, and Act 11. commences with the toUowing scene, 
t Act II., Scene I, in new version. 



ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACE:. 21 

Their women there are queens, and kings their men ; 
Their houses palaces ! {^crosses, k.) 
Julia {crosses, l.). And what of that ? 

Have your town palaces a hall like this 1 
Couches so fragrant ? Walls so high adorned? 
Casements with such festoons, such prospects, Helen, 
As these fair vistas have ? Your kings and queens ! 
See me a May-day queen, and talk of them. 

Helen. Extremes are ever neighbors. 'Tis a step 
From one to the other ! Were thy constancy 
A reasonable thing — a little less 
Of constancy — a woman's constancj' — 
I should not wonder wert thou ten years hence 
The maid 1 know thee now ; but as it is, 
The odds are ten to one, that this day year 
Will see our May-day queen a city one. 

Julia. Never ! I'm wedded to a country life. 

0, did you hear what Master Walter says 1 

Nine times in ten the town's a hollow thing, 

Where what things are, is naught to what they show •, 

Where merit's name laughs merit's self to scorn ! 

Where friendship and esteem, that ought to be 

The tenants of men's hearts, lodge in their looks 

And tongues alone. Where little virtue, with 

A costly keeper, passes for a heap ; 

A heap for none, that have a homely one ! 

Where fashion makes the law — your umpire which 

You bow to, whether it have brains or not. 

Where Folly taketh off his cap and bells, 

To clap on Wisdom, which must bear the jest ! 

Where, to pass current, you must seem the thing, 

The passive thing that others think you, and not 

Your simple, honest, independent self! {crosses, r.) 

Helen. Ay, so says Master Walter. See I not 

What you can find in Master Walter, Julia, 
To be so fond of him ! 

Julia. He's fond of me ! 

I've known him since I was a child. E'en then 

The week I thought a weary, heavy one, 

That brought not Master Walter. I had those 

About me then that made a fool of me, 

As children oft are fooled ; but more I loved 

Good Master Walter's lesson, than the play 

With which they'd surfeit me. As I grew up. 

More frequent Master Walter came, and more 

I loved to see him. I had tutors then, 

Men of great skill and learning — but not one 

That taught like Master Walter. What they'd show me. 

And I, dull as I was, but doubtful saw — 

A word from Master Walter made as clear 

As daylight. When my schooling days were o'er — 

That's now good three years past — three years — I vow 

I'm twenty, Helen — well, as I was saying, 

When I had done with school, and all were gone, 

Still Master Walter came, and still he comes, 

Summer or winter — frost or rain. I've seen 



22 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. 

The snow upon a level with the hedge, 

Yet there was Master Walter! 
Helen [crosses, l.). Who comes here 1 

A carriage, and a gay one— who alights 1 

Pshaw ! Only Master Walter ! What see you, 

Which thus repairs the arch of the fair brow 

A frown was like to spoil "? A gentleman ! 

One of our town kings ! Mark — how say you now 1 

Would'st be a town queen, Julia ? iarchhj) Which of us, 

I wonder, comes he for 1 
Julia. For neither of us ; 

He's Master Walter's clerk, most like. 
Helen. Most like ! 

Mark him as he comes up the avenue ; 

So looks a clerk ! A clerk has such a gait ! 

So does a clerk dress, Julia — mind his hose — 

They're very like a clerk's ! a diamond loop 

And button, note you, for his clerkship's hat — 

0, certainly a clerk ! " A velvet cloak, 

" Jerkin of silk, and doublet of the same^— " 

For all the world a clerk ! See, Julia, see 

How Master Walter bows, and yields him place, 

That he may first go in — a very clerk ! 
Julia. I wonder who he is % 
Helen. Would'st like to know 1 

Would'st for a fancy, ride to town with him 1 

I prophesy he comes to take thee thither. 
Julia. He ne'er takes me to town. No, Helen, no, 

To town who will— a country life for me ! 
Helen. We'll see 1 (crosses to r.) 

Unter Fathom, l. c, and advances. 

Fathom (c.) You're wanted, madam. 

Julia (embarrassed ). Which of us 1 

Path. You, madam. 

Helen. Julia, what's the matter 1 Nay, 

Mount not the rose so soon. He must not see it 

A month hence. 'Tis love's flower, which once she wears, 

The maid is all his own. 
Julia. Go to ! 

Helen. Be sure! (crosses, l.) 

He comes to woo thee ! He will bear thee hence; 

He'll make thee change the country for the town. 
Julia. I'm constancy. Name he the town to me, 

I'll tell him what I think on't ! (c^-osses, r.) 
Helen. Then you guess 

He comes a-wooing 1 
J^LiA. I guess naught. 

Helen. You do I 

At your grave words, your lips, more honest, smile, 

And show them to be traitors. Hie to him. 
Julia. Hie thee to soberness 1 

[Exit by stepa, h., followed part of the way by Helen. 
Helen. Ay, will I, when 

Tiiy bridemaid, I shall hie to church with thee. 

Well, Fathom, who is come 1 (comes down, l.) 



ACT I.] THE HUNCHBACK. 23 

Fath. I know not. 

Helen. What! 

Did'st thou not hear his name 1 
Fath. I did. 

Helen. Whatis't? 

Fath. I noted not. 

Helen. What hast thou ears for, then 1 

Fath. What good were it for me to mind his name 1 

1 do but what I must. To do that 

Is labor quite enough. 
Walt, {without, l.). Fathom ! 

Fath. Here ! 

Walt, {entering^ c.)- Here, sirrah ! Wherefore did'st not come to me % 
Fath. You did not bid me come. 
Walt. I called thee ! 

Fath. Yes, 

And I said, " Here !" and waited then to know 

Your worship's will with me. 
Walt. We go to town — 

Thy mistress, thou, and all the house, 
Fath. Well, sir"? 

Walt. (c). Mak'st thou not ready, then, to go to town 1 
Fath. You didn't bid me to make ready, sir ! 
Walt. Hence, knave, dispatch ! [Exit Fathom, l. 

Helen. Go we to town 1 
Walt. We do ; 

'Tis now her father's will she sees the town. 
Helen. I'm glad on't. Goes she to her father 1 
Walt. No ; 

With the consent of thine, she for a term 

Shares roof with thee. 
Helen. I'm very glad on't. 

Walt. What ! 

You like her, then 7 I thought you would. 'Tis time 

She sees the town. 
Helen. It has been time for that, 

These six years. 
Walt. By thy wisdom's count. No doubt 

You've told her what a precious place it is. 
Helen. I have. 

Walt. I even guessed as much. For that 

I told thee of her ; brought thee here to see her ; 

And prayed thee to sojourn a space with her ; 

That its fair face, from thy too fair report, 

Might strike a novice less — so less deceive her. 

I did not put thee under check. 
Helen. 'Twas right — 

Else I had broken loose and run the wilder ! 

So knows she not her father yet "? That's strange ; 

I prithee how does mine 1 
Walt. Well— very well. 

News for thee. 
Helen. What 1 

W'alt. Thy cousin is in town. 

Helen. My cousin, Modus 1 
Walt. Much do I suspect 

That cousin's nearer to tliy heart than blood. 



24 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT I. 

Helen. Pshaw ! Wed me to a musty library 1 

Love liim who nothing loves but Greek and Latin ? 

But, Master Walter, you forget the main, 

Surpassing point of all. Who's come with you 1 
Walt. Ay, that's the question ! 
Helen. Is he soldier or 

Civilian 1 lord or gentleman 1 He's rich, 

If that's his chariot. Where is his estate? 

What brings it in 1 Six thousand pounds a year "i 

Twelve thousand, may be 1 Is he bachelor,* 

Or husband 1 Bachelor, I'm sure he is ! 

Comes he not hither wooing, Master Walter 1 

Nay, prithee, answer me ! 
Walt. Who says thy sex 

Are curious ? That they're patient, I'll be sworn, 

And reasonable — very reasonable — 

To look for twenty answers in a breath ! 

Come, thou shalt be enlightened — but propound 

Thy questions one bv one. Thou'rt far too apt 

A scholar ! My ability to teach 

Will ne'er keep pace, I fear, with thine to learn. 

[Exit, L. 1 E. 

SCENE III. — An apartment in the home* 

Enter J vLi A, followed by Clifford, l. c. 

Julia. No more ! I pray you, sir, no more ! 

Clif. I love you ! 

Julia. You mock me, sir ! 

Clif. Then is there no such thing 

On earth as reverence 1 Honor filial, the fear 

Of kings, the awe of Supreme Heaven itself, 

Are only shows and sounds that stand for nothing. 

I love you. 
Julia. You have known me scarce a minute. 

Clif. Say but a moment, still I say I love you. 

Love's not a flower that grows on the dull earth ; 

Springs by the calendar ; must wait for sun — 

For rain ; matures by parts — must take its time 

To stem, to leaf, to bud, to blow. It owns 

A richer soil, and boasts a quicker seed ! 

You look for it, and see it not, and lo ! 

E'en while you look, the peerless flower is up, 

Consummate in the birth ! 
Julia. *' Is't fear I feel 1 

" Why else should beat my heart "? It can't be fear ! 

" Something I needs must say." You're from the town ! 

How comes it, sir, you seek a country wife 1 

" {aside) Methinks 'twill tax his wit to answer that." 
Clif. In joining contrasts lieth love's delight. 

Complexion, stature, nature mateth it, 

Not with their kinds, but with their opposites. 

Hence, hands of snow in ])alms of russet lie ; 

The form of Hercules effects the sylph's, 

* lu the Union Square version there is no change of Scene. 



ACT I.] 



THE HUNCHBACK. 25 



And breasts that case the lion's fear-proof heart, 

Find their loved lodge in arras where tremors dwell ! 

'* Haply for this, on Afric's swarthy neck, 

•' Hath Europe's priceless pearl been seen to hang, 

" That makes the Orient poor ! So with degrees — 

" Rank passes by the circlet-graced brow, 

" Upon the forehead bare of notelessness, 

" To print the nuptial kiss. As with degrees, 

♦• So is't with habits ; " therefore, I, indeed, 

A gallant of the town, the town forsake, 

To win a country bride. 
Julia. " (aside) His prompt reply, 

" My backward challenge shames ! Must I give o'er ? 

" I'll try his wit again.*' (aloud) Who marries me, 

Must lead a country life. 
Clif. The life I love ! 

But fools would fly from it ; for, oh, 'tis sweet ! 

It finds the heart out, be there one to find, 

And corners in't where stores of pleasures lodge, 

We never dreamed were there ! It is to dwell 

'Mid smiles that are not neighbors to deceit ; 

Music, whose melody is of the heart, 

" And gifts that are not made for interest — 

" Abundantly bestowed, by nature's cheek, 

" And voice, and hand ! It is to live on life, 

" And husband it !" It is to constant scan 

The handiwork of Heaven ! It is to con 

Its mercy, bounty, wisdom, power ! It is 

To nearer see our God ! 
Julia (aside). How like he talks 

To Master Walter ! " Shall I give it o'er 1 

♦' Not yet." [aloud) Thou would'st not live one half a year! 

A quarter raight'st thou for the novelty 

Of fields and trees ; but then it needs must be 

In summer time, when they go dressed. 
Clip. " Not it!" 

In any time — say winter ! Fields and trees 

Have charms for me in very winter time. 
Julia. But snow may clothe them then. 
Clip. I like them full 

As well in snow. 
Julia. You do ? 

Clip. I do ! 

Julia. But night 

Will hide both snow and them ; and that sets in 

Ere afternoon is out. A heavy thing, 

A country fireside in a winter's night, 

To one bred in the town — " where winter's said, 

" For sun of gayety and sportiveness, 

" To beggar shining summer." 
Clip. I should like 

A country winter's night especially ! 
Julia. You'd sleep by the fire. 

Clip. Not I ; I'd talk to thee. 
Julia. You'd tire of that ! 

Walter and Helen enter, l. u e., and pause. 



26 THE HUKCHBACK. [aCX I, 

Clif. I'd read to thee. 

Julia. And that ! 

Clif. I'd talk to thee again. 

Julia. And sooner tire 

Than first j'ou did, and fall asleep at last. 

" You'd never do to lead a country life." 
Clif. '' You deal too hardly with me i" Matchless maid, 

" As loved instiuctor brightens dullest wit," 

Fear not to undertake the charge of nie I (kneels) 

A willing pupil kneels to thee, and lays 

His title and liis fortune at your feet. 
" Julia {^side). His title and his fortune !" (W alter and Helen advance, 
Julia, disconcerted^ retires with the latter, r. Clifford rises.) 
Walt. So, Sir Thomas 1 

Aha! you husband time! well, was I right? 

Is't not the jewel that I told you 'twas ? 

Would'st thou not give thine eyes to wear it, eh % 

It has an owner, tho" — nay, start not — one 

That may be brought to part with't, and with whom 

I'll stand thy friend — I will — I say, I will ! 

A strange man, sir, and unaccountable ; 

But I can humor him — will humor hira 

For thy sake, good Sir Thomas, for I like thee. 

Well, is't a bargain 1 Come, thy hand upon it. 

A word or two with thee, {they retire, l. Julia and HELSif 
come forward, r.} 
Julia (i>.). Go up to town I 

Helen (r ). Have T not said it ten times o'er to thee I 

But if thou lik'st it not, protest against it. 
Julia. Not if 'tis Master Walter's will. 
Helen. What then 1 

Thou would'st not break thy heart for Master Walter % 
Julia. That follows not! 
Helen. What follows not 1 

Julia. That I 

Should break my heart that I go np to town. 
Helen. Indeed ! Oh, that's another matter. Well, 

I'd e'en advise thee, then, to do his will ; 

And ever after, when I prophesy, 

Believe me, Julia, {they retire. Master Walter cornea for- 
ward.) 

Enter Fathom, l.. 1 e., crosses to Walter. 

Fath. So please you, sir, a letter— a post-haste letter \ The bearer 
on horseback, the horse in a foam — smoking like a boiler at the heat 
— be sure a post-haste letter. 

Walt. Look to the horse and rider. \Exit Fathom, l. 

\fipens the letter and reads) " What's this 1 A testament ad- 
dressed to me, 
•* Found in his Lordship's escritoire, and thence 
" Directed to be taken by no hand 
** But mine. My presence instantly required." (Sir Thomas, 

Julia, fl'??^? Helen come forward) 
Come, my mistresses,^ 

You dine in town to-day. Your father's will 
It is, my Julia, that you see the world,, 



A.CT II.] THE HUNCHBACK. 27 

And thou shalt see it in its best attire — 
Its gayest looks — its richest finery- 
It shall put on for thee that thou may'st judge 
Betwixt it and the rural life you've lived. 
Business of moment I'm but just advised of, 
Touching the will of my late noble master, 
The Earl of Rochdale, recently deceased, 
Commands me for a time to leave thee there. 
Sir Thomas, hand her to the chariot. 

Sib Thomas crosses to Julia, and taking her hand leads her towards the steps, 
c, there they pause, and turn to look back. Walter takes Helen's 
hand, and when he finishes speaking, hands her towards the steps as the 
curtain descends. 

Nay, I tell thee true. We go indeed to town ! [Exeunt. 

CURTAIN.* 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — An apartment in Master Hbartwell's house. 

Enter Thomas and Fathom, l. 2 e. 

Thomas. Well, Fathom, is thy mistress up 1 

Fath. She is, Master Thomas, and breakfasted. 

Thom. She stands it well ! 'Twas five, you say, when she came home, 
and wants it now three-quarters of an hour of ten ! Wait till her stock 
of country health is out. 

Fath. 'Twill come to that, Master Thomas, before she lives another 
month in town. Three, four, five, six o'clock, are now the hours she 
keeps. 'Twas otherwise with her in the country. There my mistress 
used to rise what time she now lies down. 

Thom. Why, yes ; she's changed since she came hither. 

Fath. Changed, do you say, Master Thomas 1 Changed forsooth ! I 
know not the thing in which she is not changed, saving that she is still 
a woman. I tell thee, there is no keeping pace with her moods In 
the country, she had none of them. When I brought what she asked 
for, it was " Thank you, Fathom," and no more to do ; but now noth- 
ing contents her. Hark ye ! were you a gentleman, Master Thomas — 
for then, you know, you would be a diflerentkind of a man — how many 
times would you have your coat altered 1 

Thom. Why, Master Fathom, as many times as it would take to make 
it fit me. 

Fath. Good ! But supposing it fitted thee at first 1 

Thom. Then would I have it altered not at all. 

Fath. Good ! Thou would'st be a reasonable gentleman. Thou 
would'st have a conscience. Now hark to a tale about my lady's last 
gown. How many times think you, took I it back to the seamstress 1 

Thom. Thrice, may be. 

Fath. Thrice, may be ! Twenty times, may be and not a turn too 

* In the Union Square version, Aot II ends here, and Act HI. commences with 
the next Scene, but differently arranged. 



28 THE hdnchbacb:. [act II. 

many for the truth on't. Twenty times, on the oath of the seamstress. 
Now mark me — can you count 1 

Thom. After a fashion. 

Fath. You have much to be thankful for, Master Thomas ; you Lon- 
don serving-men know a world of things which we in the country never 
dream of. Now mark — four times took I it back for the flounce ; tsvice 
for the sleeves ; thrice for the tucker. How many times in all is that 1 

Thom, Eight times to a fraction, Master Fathom. 

Fath. What a master of figures you are ! Eight times — now recol- 
lect that I And then found she fault with the trimmings. Now, tell me, 
how many times took I back the gown for the trimmings 1 

Thom. Eight times more, perhaps. 

Fath. Ten times to a certainty. How many times makes that ? 

Thom. Eighteen, Master Fathom, by the rule of addition. 

Fath. And how many times more will make twenty 1 

Thom. Twice, by the same rule. 

Fath. Thou hast worked with thy pencil and slate, Master Thomas. 
Well, ten times, as I said, took I back the gown for the trimmings ! and 
was she content after all 1 1 warrant you, no, or my ears did not pay 
for it. She wished, she said, that the slattern seamstress had not 
touched the gown ; for naught had she done but botched it. Now, 
what think you, had the seamstress done to the gown 7 

Thom. To surmise that, I must be learned in the seamstress's art. 

Fath. The seamstress's art ! Thou hast hit it ! Oh, the sweet seam- 
stress ! The excellent seamstress ! Mistress of her scissors and needles, 
which are pointless and edgeless to her art ! The seamstress had done 
nothiug to the gown, yet raves and storms my mistress at her for having 
botched it in the making and mending ; and orders her straight to make 
another one, which home the seamstress brings on Tuesday last. 

Thom. And found thy fair mistress as many faults with that 1 

Fath Not one ! She finds it a very pattern of a gown ! A well- 
sitting flounce ! The sleeves a fit — the tucker a fit — the trimmings her 
fancy to a T — ha, ha, ha ! and she praised the seamstress — ha, ha, ha! 
and she smiles at me, and I smile — ha, ha, ha ! and the seamstress 
smiles — ha, ha, ha ! Now, why did the seamstress smile'? 

Thom. That she had succeeded so well in her art. 

Fath. Thou hast hit it again. The jade must have been born a 
seamstress. If ever I marry, she shall work for my wife. The gown 
was the same gown, and there was my mistress's twentieth mood. 

Thom What think you will Master Walter say when he comes back 1 
I fear he'll hardly know his country maid again. Has she yet fixed her 
wedding-day 1 

Fath She has. Master Thomas. I coaxed it from her maid. She 
marries Monday week 

Thom. Comes not Master Walter back to-day ? 

Fath. Your Master expects him. {bell ringing, l.) Perhaps that's he. 
I prithee, go and open the door ; do. Master Thomas, do ; for, proves it 
my master, he'll surely question me. 

Thom. And what should I do 1 

Fath. Answer him, Master Thomas and make him none the wiser. 
He'll go mad when he learns how my lady flaunts it. Go, open the 
door, I prithee. Fifty things, Master Thomas, know you, for one thing 
that I know ; you can turn and twist a matter into any other kind of 
matter, and then twist and turn it back again, if needs be ; so much 
you servants of the town beat us of the country, Master Thomas. Open 
the door, now ; do, Master Thomas, do ! [Exeunt^ l. 1 e. 



ACT II.] THE HUNCHBACK. 29 

SCENE II. — A garden with two arbors, r. and l * 

^t'^r Master Heartwell, r. 1 e., and Master Walter, l. 1 e. 

Heart. Good Master "Walter, welcome back again ! 
Walt. I'm glad to see you, Master Heartwell. 
Heart. How, 

I pray you, sped the weighty bus'ness which 

So sudden called you hence 1 
Walt. Weighty, indeed ! 

What thou would'st ne'er expect— wilt scarce believe ! 

Long hidden wrong, wondrously come to light. 

And great right done. But more of this anon. 

Now of my ward discourse ! Likes she the town 1 

How does she 1 Is she well 7 Can'st match me her 

Amongst your city maids ? 
Heart. Nor court ones neither ! 

She far outstrips them all ! 
Walt. I knew she would. 

What else could follow in a maid so bred 7 

A pure mind. Master Heartwell — not a taint 

From intercourse with the distempered town, 

With which all contact was walled out ; until, 

Matured in soundness, I could trust her to it, 

And sleep amidst infection, {they cross.) 
Heart. Master Walter ! 

Walt. Well 1 
Heart. Tell me, prithee, which is likelier 

To plough a sea in safety ? — he that's wont 

To sail in it— or he that by the chart 

Is master of its soundings, bearings — knows 

Its headlands, havens, currents — where 'tis bold, 

And where behooves to keep a good look out — 

The one will swim where sinks the other one ? 
Walt. The drift of this "? 
Heart. Do you not guess it ? 

Walt. Humph ! 

Heart. If you would train a maid to live in town 

Breed her not in the country. 
Walt. Say you so 1 

And stands she not the test 1 
Heart. As snow stands fire ! 

Your country maid has melted all awa}', 

And plays the city lady to the height — 

Her mornings gives to mercers, milliners, 

Shoemakers, jewellers, and haberdashers ; 

Her noons to calls ; her afternoons to dressing ; 

Evenings to plays or cards, and nights to routs, 

Balls, masquerades ! Sleep only ends the riot, 

Which waking still begins ! 
Walt. I'm all amaze ! 

How bears Sir Thomas this 1 
Heart, {shruggingly). Why, patiently; 

Though one can see, with pain. 
Walt. She loves him ? Ha ! 

* There is no change of Scene in the Union Square version. 



80 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT II. 

That shrug is doubt ! She'd ne'er consent to wed him, 

Unless she loved him — never ! Her young fancy, 

The pleasures of the town — new things — have caught. 

Anon their hold will slacken ; she'll become 

Her former self again ; to its old train 

Of sober feelings will her heart return, 

And then she'll give it wholly to the man 

Her virgin wishes chose ! (crosses, r.) 
Heart. Here comes Sir Thomas, 

" And with him Master Modus." 
Walt. Let (them) him pass ; 

I would not see him till I speak with her. {thei/ retire into the 
arbor, l. u. e.) 

Enter Clifford and Modus, l. 1 e. 

Clip. A dreadful question is it, when we love, 

To ask if love's returned ! I did believe 

Fair Julia's heart was mine — I doubt it now. 

But once last night she danced with me, her hand 

To this gallant and that engaged, as soon 

As asked for I " Maid that loved would scarce do this ! 

" Nor visit we together as we used, 

" When first she came to town." She loves me less 

Than once she did — or loves me not at all. (crosses, l.) 
'* Mod. I'm little skilled, Sir Thomas, in the world ; 

" What mean you now to do 1 
" Clip. Remonstrate with her ! 

" Come to an understanding, and at once — " 

If she repents her promise to be mine, 

( pauses to think) Absolve her from it — and say farewell to her. 
{crosses, towards r.) 
" Mod. Lo, then, your opportunity " — she comes — {he retires up the 
staff e, R.) 

" My cousin with her — ^her will I engage, 

" Whilst you converse together. 
" Clip. Nay, not yet ! 

" My heart turns coward at the sight of her. 

" Stay till it finds new courage ! Let them pass I" 

Enter Julia and Helen, r. 1 e. 

Helen. So, Monday week will say good morn to thee 

A maid, and bid good night a sober wife ! 
Julia, That Monday week, I trust, will never come 

That brags to make a sober wife of me ! 
Helen. How changed you are, my Julia ! 

Julia. Change makes change. 

Helen. Why wedd'st thou, then ? 

Julia. Because I promised him. 

Helen. Thou lov'st him ? 
Julia. Do I ? 

HEiEN. He's a man to love ; 

A right well-favored man ! 
Julia. Your point's well-favored. 

Where did you purchase it ? " In Gracechurch street*?" 
Helen. Pshaw ! never mind my point, but talk of him. 



ACT II.] TDK UUXCHBICK. 31 

Julia. I'd rather talk with thee about the lace. 

Where bought you it 1 In Gracechurch street, Cheapside, 

Whitechapel, Little Britain 1 Can't j'ou say 

Where 'twas you bought the lace ? 
Helen. In Cheapside, then. 

And now, then, to Sir Thomas ! He is just 

The height I like a man. 
Julia. Thy feather's just 

The height I like a feather ! Mine's too long ! 

What shall I give thee in exchange for it ? 
Helen. What shall I give thee for a minute's talk 

About Sir Thomas 1 
Julia. Why, thy feather. 

Heleij. Take it! 

" Clip, {aside to Modus). What ! likes she not to speak of me ?" 
Helen. And now 

Let's talk about Sir Thomas — " Much, I'm sure, 

" He loves you. 
" Julia. Much, I'm sure, he has a right ! 

" Those know I who would give their eyes to be 

" Sir Thomas, for my sake ! 
" Helen. Such, too, know I. 

" But 'mong them none can compare with him, 

" Not one so graceful. 
" Julia. What a graceful set 

" Your feather has ! 
" Helen. Nay, give it back to me 

" Unless you pay me for't. 
" Julia. What was't to get 1 

" Helen. A minute's talk with thee about Sir Thomas." 
Julia. Talk of his title and his fortune then. 
" Clif. {aside). Indeed ! I would not listen, yet I must ! 
" Julia." An ample fortune, Helen ! I shall be 

A happy wife ! What routs, what balls, what masques, 

What gala days ! 
" Clif. (aside). For these she marries me ! 

" She'll talk of these ! 
" Julia." Think not, when I am wed, 

I'll keep the house as owlet does her tower, 

Alone — when every other bird's on wing. 

I'll use my palfrey, Helen, and my coach ; 

My barge, too, for excursions on the Thames ; 

" What drives to Barnet, Hackney, Islington !" 

What rides to Epping, Hounslow, and Blackheath ! 

What sails to Greenwich, Woolwich, Fulham, Kew ! 

I'll set a pattern to your lady wives ! 
Clif. {aside, n. c). Ay, lady ? Trust me, not at my expense. 
Julia. And what a wardrobe ! I'll have change of suits 

For every day in the year ! and sets for days ! 

My morning dress, my noon dress, dinner dress, 

And evening dress ! Then will I show you lace 

A foot deep, can I purchase it ; if not, 

I'll specially bespeak it. Diamonds, too! 

Not buckles, rings, and earrings only — but 

Whole necklaces and stomachers of gems ! 

I'll shine I be sure I will. 
" Clif, {aside). Then shine away ; 



32 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT IT. 

" Who covets thee may wear thee ; I'm not he ! 

" Julia. And then my title 1 Soon as I put on 
" The ring I'm Lady Clifford. So I take 
" Precedence of plain mistress, were she e'en 
" The richest lieiress in the land ! At town 
*' Or country ball you'll see me take the lead, 
" While wives that carry on their backs the wealth 
" To dower a princess shall give place to me ; — 
*' Will I not profit, think you, by my right "? 
" Be sure I will ! Marriage shall prove to me 
" A never-ending pageant. Every day 
•' Shall show how I am spoused !" I will be known 
For Lady Clifford all the city through, 
And fifty miles the country round about. 
Wife of Sir Thomas Clifford, baronet — 
Not perishable knight ; who, when he makes 
A lady of me, doubtless must expect 
To see me play the part of one. {crosses, l.) 

Clip, (comes forward, r. c.) Most true, 

But not the part which you design to play. 

Julia. A lisL'ner, sir ! 

Clip. By chance and not intent. 

Se pauses ; Helen exchanges glances with him ; he hows ; she returns the 
compliment, and exits, b. u. e., leaving Clippord r. c., Julia l. c. 

Your speech was forced upon mine ear, that ne'er 

More thankless duty to my heart discharged ! 

Would for that heart it ne'er had known the sense 

Which tells it 'tis a bankrupt there, where most 

It coveted to be rich, and thought it was so ! 

Oh, Julia ! is it you 1 Could I have set 

A coronet upon that stately brow. 

Where partial nature hath already bound 

A brighter circlet — radiant beauty's own — 

I had been proud to see thee proud of it — 

So for the donor thou had'st ta'en the gift, 

Not for the gift ta'en him. Could I have poured 

The wealth of richest Croesus in thy lap, 

I had been blest to see thee scatter it, 

So I were still thy riches paramount. 
Julia. Know you me, sir ? 
Clip. I do ! On Monday week 

We were to wed, and are, so you're content 

The day that weds, wives you to be widowed. Take 

The privilege of my wife ; be Lady Clifford ! 

Outshine thy title in the wearing on't ! 

My coffers, lands, are all at thy command ; 

Wear all ! but, for myself, she wears not me, 

" Although the coveted of every eye," 

Who would not wear me for myself alone, (crosses, l.) 
Julia. And do you carry it so proudly, sir? 
Clip. Proudly, but still more sorrowfully, lady ! 

I'll lead thee to the church on Monday week. 

Till then, farewell I and then— farewell forever ! (takes off hii 
hat) 

Oh, Julia, I have ventured for thy love, 



ACT II.] THE HUNCHBACK. 33 

As the bold merchant, who, for only hope 

Of some rich gain, all former gains will risk ! 

Before I asked a portion of thy heart, 

I periled all my own, and now, all's lost ! 

[£zU. L. 1 E. " Modus /o^/ot^5 him.'* 
Julia. Helen ! (Helen re-enters.) 
Helen. What ails you, sweet 1 , 

Julia. I cannot breathe — quick, loose my girdle, oh ! (faints. Wal- 
ter r/w<;? Heartwell, come forxoard) 
Walt. Good Master Heartwell, help to take her in, 

Whilst I make after him — and look to her ! 

Unlucky chance that took me out of town ! 

\Exit Walter, l. 1 e. Heaktwell hears off Julia, k. 2 e., Helen fol- 
lowing. 

SCENE III.*— r/?e street. 

Enter Clifford, l., and Stephen, r., meeting, 

Stephen. Letters, Sir Thomas. 

Clip. Take them home again ; 

I shall not read them now. 
Steph. Your pardon, sir. 

But there is one directed strangely, [examining it.) 
Clip. How 1 

Steph. " To Master Clifford, gentleman ; now styled 

Sir Thomas CHflford, baronet." 
Clip. Indeed ! 

Whence comes that letter 1 
Steph. From abroad ! 

Clip. Which is it 1 

Steph. So please you, this. Sir Thomas. 

Clip. Give it to me. {takes it and crosses, l., reading.) 

Steph. (aside). That letter brings not news to wish him joy upon. If 
he was disturbed before, which I guessed by his looks he was, he is not 
more at ease now. His hand to his head ! A most unwelcome letter ! 
If it brings him news of disaster, fortune does not give him his deserts; 
for never waited servant upon a kinder master. 
Clip. Stephen ! 
Steph. Sir Thomas ! 

Clip. From mj" door remove 

The plate that bears my name. 
Steph. The plate, Sir Thomas 1 

Clip. The plate. Collect my servants and instruct them 

All to make out their claims unto the end 

Of their respective terms, and give them in 

To my steward. Him and them apprise, good fellow, 

That I keep house no more. "As you go home, 

" Call at my coachmaker's, and bid him stop 

"The carriage I bespoke. The one I have 

" Send with my horses to the mart whereat 

*' Such things are sold by auction — they're for sale. 

" Pack up my wardrobe — have my trunks conveyed 

" To the inn in the next street " — and when that's done, 

* Scene 2 in the Union Square version. 



34 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT II. 

Go to my tradesmen, and collect their bills, 

And bring them to me at the inn. 
Steph. The inn? 

Clip. Yes ; I go home no more. Why, what's the matter 1 

What has fallen out to make your eyes fill up 1 

You'll get another place, I'll certify 

You're honest and industrious, and all 

That a servant ought to be. 
Steph. I see, Sir Thomas, 

Some great misfortune has befallen you. 
Clip. No ! 

I've health; I've strength; my reason, Stephen, and 

A heart that's clear in tiutli, with trust in God. 

No great disaster can befall the man 

Who's still possessed of these 1 '• Good fellow, leave me ! 

" What you would learn, and have a right to know, 

" I would not tell you now. Good Stephen, hence !" 

Mischance has fallen on me — bub what of that 1 

Mischance has fallen on many a better man. 

" I prithee, leave me. I grow sadder while 

" I see the eye with which you view my grief. 

" 'Sdeath, they will out ! I, would have been a man, 

" Had you been less a kind and gentle one." 

Now, as you love me, leave me. 
Bteph. Never master 

So well deserved the love of him that served him. 

[Hxit Stephen, b. 
Clif. Misfortune liketh company ; it seldom 

Visits its friends alone. Ha, Master Walter, 

And ruffled, too ! I'm in no mood for him. 

Unter Master Walter, l. 

Walt. So, sir — Sir Thomas Clifford — what with speed 

And choler — I do gasp for want of breath ! 
Clip. Well, Master Walter 1 
Walt. You're a rash young man, sir ! 

Strong-headed and wrong-headed — and I fear, sir, 

Not over delicate in that fine sense 

Which men of honor pride themselves upon, sir ! 
Clip. Well, Master Walter 1 
Walt. A young woman's heart, sir, 

Is not a stone to carve a posy on ! 

Which knows not what is writ on't — which you may buy. 

Exchange, or sell, sir — keep or give away, sir ; 

It is a richer, yet a poorer thing ! 

Priceless to him that owns and prizes it ; 

Worthless when owned, not prized ; which makes the man 

That covets it, obtains it, and discards it — 

A fool, if not a villain, sir ! 
Clip. Well, sir 7 

Walt. You never loved my ward, sir ! 
Clif. The bright heavens, sir. 

Bear witness that I did ! 
Walt. The bright heavens, sir, 

Bear not false witness. That you loved her not 

Is clear — for had you loved her, you'd have plucked 



ACT II.] THE HUNCHBACK. oO 

Your heart from out your breast, 'ere cast her from your heart • 

Old as I am, I know what passion is. 

"It is the summei's heat, sir, which in vain 

" We look for frost in ! Ice, like you, sir, knows 

But httle of such heat !" We're wronged, sir, wronged ! 

" You wear a sword, and so do I ! 

*'Clif. Well, sir! 

" Walt. You know the use, sir, of a sword 5"' 

Clif. " 1 do. 

♦•' To whip a knave, sir, or an honest njan — 
" A wise man or a fool— atone f(»r wrong, 
" Or double the amount on't." Master Walter,* 
Touching your ward, if wrong is done, I think 
On my side lies the grievance. " 1 would not say so 
♦' Did I not think so." As for love— look, sir, 
That hand's a widower's, to its first mate sworn 
To clasp no second one. As for amends, sir. 
You're free to get them from a man in whom 
You've been forestalled by fortune. '• in the spite 
'•Which she has vented on him, if you still 
" Esteem him worth your anger." Please you read 
That letter, {hands leiier) Now, sir, judge if life is dear, 
To one so much a loser. 

Walt. Wliat, all gone ! 

Thy cousin living they reported dead! 

Clif. Title and land, sir, unto which, add love; 

All gone, save life — and honor — which, ere I'll lose, 
I'll let the other go ! 

Walt. We're public here, 

And may be interrupted. Let us seek 
Some spot of privacy. Your letter, sir ! {gives it back) 
Tho' fortune slights you, I'll not slight you ! Not 
Your title or the lack of it I heed. 
Whether upon the score of love or hate. 
With you, and you alone, I settle, sir ! 
We've gone too far. 'Twere folly now to part 
Without a reckoning. 

Clip. Just as you please. 

Walt. Yo'.i've done a noble lady wrong. 

Clif. That lady 

Has done me wrong. 

Walt. Go to ! Thou art a boy 

Fit to be trusted with a plaything, not 
A woman's heart ! Thou know'st not what it is ! 
Which I will soon prove to thee, soon as we find 
Convenient place. Come on, sir ! you shall get 
A lesson that shall .serve you for the rest 
0' your life. I'll make you own, her, sir, a piece 
Of Nature's handiwork, as costly, free 
From bias, flaw, and fair as ever yet 
Her cunning hand turned out. Come on, sir — come ! 

[Exeunt, l. 

CURTAIX-t 

♦ Clifford's reply commences lierein the representation— his cue being, Wronged, siVf 
tvronj'd ! 

t r.iis Scene en Is Acfc III. in the Union Square version, and the Fourth Act 
commences with Scene 2 of the next Act. The first Scene is entirely omitted in thii*^ 
version, and I have seen it done also where the original version was played. 



36 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT II 

ACT III. 

SCENE I. — A drawing-room. 

Enter Lord Tinsel and the Earl of Rochdale, l. 

Tinsel. Refuse a lord ! A saucy lady, this . 

I scarce can credit it. 
RocH. She'll change her mind. 

My agent, Master Walter, is her guardian. 
Tin. How can you keep that Hunchback in his oflfice 1 

He mocks you. 
RocH. He is useful. Never heed him. 

My offer now do I present through him. 
He has the title-deeds of ray estate?. 
She'll listen to their wooing. I must have her, 
Not that I love her, but that all allow 
She's fairest of the fair. 
Tin. Distinguish well ; 

'Twere most unseemly for a lord to love ! 
Leave that to commoners. 'Tis vulgar. She's 
Betr 
RocH. Yes 

Tin. That a commoner should thwart a lord! 

Yet not a commoner. A baronet 
Is fish and flesh. Nine parts plebeian, and 
Patrician in the tenth. Sir Thomas Clifford ! 
A man, they say, of brains. I abhor brains 
As I do tools ! They're things mechanical. 
So far as we above our forefathers — 
They to their brains did owe their titles as 
Do lawyers, doctors. We to nothing owe them, 
Which makes us far the nobler. 
RocH. Is it so ? 

Tin. Believe me. You shall profit by my training ; 
You grow a lord apace. I saw you meet 
A bevy of your former friends, who fain 
Had shaken hands with you. You gave them fingers ! 
You're now another man. Yonr house is changed — 
Your table changed — your retinue — your horse — 
Where once you rode a hack, you now back blood — 
Befits it then you also change your friends ! 

Enter Williams, l. 

Williams. A gentleman would see your Lordship. 

Tin. Sir ? 

What's that 7 {crosses to Williams.) 

WiL. A gentleman would see his Lordship ! 

Tin. How know you, sir, his Lordship is at home 1 
Is he at home because he goes not out 1 
He's not at home, though there you see him, sir, 
Unless he certify that he's at home ! 
Bring up the name of the gentleman, and then 
Your lord will know if he's at home or not. 

[Exit Williams, l. 



ACT III.] THE nUNCnCACK. 37 

Your man was porter to some merchant's door, 
Who never taught him better bleeding than 
To speak the vulgar truth. Well, sir ? 

Williams re-enters. 

"WiL. His name, 

So please your Lordship, Markbam. 
Tin. Do you know 

The thing 1 
RocH. Right well. I' faith, a hearty fellow, 

Son to a worthy tradesman, " who would do 

" Great things with little means ; so entered him 

" In the Temple. A good fellow, on my life, 

" Naught smacking of his stock !" 
Tin. You've said enough ! 

His Lordship's not at home. [JExit Williams, l. 

" We do not go 

*' By hearts, but orders !" Had he family — 

Blood — tho' it only were a drop — his heart 

Would pass for something ; lacking such desert, 

Were it ten times the heart it is, 'tis naught ! 

Williams re-enters. 

WiL. One Master Jones hath asked to see your Lordship, 

Tin. And what was your reply to Master Jones 1 

WiL. I knew not if his Lordship was at home. 

Tin. You'll do. Who's Master Jones 1 

RocH. A curate's son. 

Tin. a curate's 1 Better be a yeoman's son ! 

" Were it the rector's son, he might be known, 

" Because the rector is a rising man, 

" And may become a bishop. He goes light. 

" The curate ever hath a loaded back. 

"He may be called the yeoman of the church 

'* That sweating does his work, and drudges on 

" While lives the hopeful rector at his ease." 

How made you his acquaintance, pray 1 
Rock. We read 

Latin and Greek together. 
Tin. Dropping them — 

As, now that you're a lord, of course you've done — 

Drop him. You'll say his Lordship's not at home. 
WiL. So please your Lordship, I forgot to say, 

One Richard Cricket likewise is below. 
Tin. Whol Richard Cricket 7 You must see him, Rochdale I 

A noble little fellow. A great man, sir ! 

Not knowing whom, you would be nobody ! 

I won five thousand pounds by him ! 
RocH. Who is he 1 

I never heard of him ! 
Tin. What, never heard 

Of Richard Cricket ! never heard of him 1 

Why, he's the jockey of Newmarket ; you 

May win a cup by him, or else a sweepstakes. 

1 bade him call upon you. You must see him. 



38 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT III. 

His Lordship is at home to Richard Cricket. 
RocH. Bid him wait in the ante-room. (Williams goes l.) 
Tin. The ante-room 1 

The best room in your house ! You do not know 
The use of Richard Cricket ! Show liim, sir, 
Into the drawing-room. [Exit Williams, l. 

Your Lordship needs 
Must keep a racing stud, and j^ou'll do well 
To make a friend of Richard Cricket. " Well, sir, 
" What's that 1 

" Williams re-enters. 

" WiL. So please your Lordship, a petition. 

Tin. Had'st not a service 'mongst the Hottentots 

'• Ere thou cam'st hither, friend \ Present thy lord 

" With a petition ! At mechanics' doors. 

" At tradesmens', shopkeepers', and merchants' only, 

"Have such tilings leave to knock. Make thy lord's gate 

" A wicket to a workhouse ! Let us see it — 

" Subscriptions to a book of poetry ! 

" Who heads the list? Cornelius Tense, A.M. 

" Which means he construes Greek and Latin, works 

" Problems in mathematics, can chop logic, 

" And is a conjurer in philosophy, 

" Both natural and moral. Pshaw ! a man 

"Wlioni nobody, that is, anybody, knows. 

*' Who, think you, follows him 1 Why, an M.D., 

"An F.R S., and F.A.S., and then 

" A D.D., Doctor of Divinity, 

" Ushering in an LL.D , which means 

*' Doctor of Laws — their harmony, no doubt, 

" The difTerence of their trades ! There's nothing here 

" But languages, and sciences, and arts, 

*' Not an iota of nobility ! 

" We cannot give our names. Take back the paper, 

" And tell the bearer there's no answer for him — 

" That is the lordly way of saying * No.' 

" But talking of subscriptions, here is one 

" To which your Lordship may affix your name. 
"RocH. Pray, who's the object? 
" Tin. a most worthy man ! 

" A man of singular deserts ; a man, 

" In serving whom, your Lordship will serve me — 

" Signor Cantata. 
" RocH. He's a friend of yours 1 

" Tin, Oh, no ; I know him not ! I've not the pleasure ! 

" But Lady Dangle knows him ; she's his friend. 

♦' He will oblige us with a set of concerts, 

•' Six concerts to the set. — The set three guineas. 

** Your Lordship will subscribe? 
" RocH. Oh, by all means ! 

" Tin. How many sets of tickets ? Two at least. 

" You'll like to take a friend ? I'll set you down 

" Six guineas to Signor Cantata's concerts." 

And now, my Lord, we'll to him — then we'll walk. 
RocH. Nay, I would wait the lady's answer. 
Tin. Wait ! 



ACT 1II.1 THE UUNCHBACK. 



39 



Take an excursion to the country ; let 

Her answer wait for you. 
Rocu. Indeed ! 

Tin. Indeed ! 

Befits a lord naught like indifference. 

Say an estate should fall to you, you'd take it, 

As it concerned more a stander-by 

Than you. As you're a lord, be sure you ever 

Of that make little other men make much of; 

Nor do the thing they do, but right contrary. 

Where the distinction else 'twixt them and you 1 [Exeunt, l. 

SCENE II.* — An apartment in Master Heartwell's house. 

Master Walter discovered, seated l. of table, lookmg through title-deeds 
and papers. 

Walt. So falls out every thing as I would have it, 

Exact in place and time. This lord's advances 
Receives she — as, I augur, in the spleen 
Of wounded pride she will— my course is clear. 
She comes — all's Avell — the tempest rages still. 

Julia enters, l., and paces the room in a state of high excitement. 

Julia. What have my eyes to do with water '? Fire 
Becomes them better ! {crosses, r.) 

Walt. True ! 

Julia. Yet, must I weep 

To be so monitor'd, and by a man ! 
A man that was my slave ! whom I have seen 
Kneel at my feet from morn till noon, content 
With leave'to only gaze upon my face, {crosses, l.^ 
" And tell me what he read tliere — till the page 
*' I knew by heart, I 'gan to doubt I knew 
" Emblazoned by the comment of his tongue !" 
And he to lesson me ! Let him come here 
On Monday week ! He ne'er leads me to church ! 
" I would not profit by his rank or wealth, 
" Tho' kings might call him cousin, for their sake!" 
I'll show him I have pride ! {crosses, r.) 

Walt. You're very right ! 

Julia. He would have had to-day our wedding day ! 

I fixed a month from this. He prayed and prayed— 
I dropped a week. He prayed and prayed the more — 
I dropped a second one. Still more he prayed ! 
And I took off another week — and now 
I have his leave to wed or not to wed ! 
He'll see that I have pride ! 

Walt. And so he ought. 

Julia. Oh ! for some way to bring him to my feet ! 

But he should lie there ! Why, 'twill go abroad 
That he cast me off! That there should live 

* In the Union Square version the Fourth Act commences with this Scene, which 
13 laid in Heartwell's library. 



40 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT III. 

The man could say so ! Or that I should live 

To be the leavings of a man ! {crosses, h.) 
Walt, Thy case 

I own a hard one. 
Julia. Hard ! 'Twill drive me mad ! 

His wealth and title ! I refused a lord — 

I did ! that privily implored my hand — 

And never cared to tell him on't ! So much 

I hate him now, that lord should not in vain 

Implore my hand again ! 
Walt. You'd give it him 1 {rising.) 

Julia. I would ! 

Walt. You'd wed that lord? {advances, l.) 

Julia (r.)'. That lord I'd wed — or any other lord — 

Only to show him I could wed above him ! 
Walt. Give me your hand and word to that. 
Julia. There ! Take 

My hand and word ! 
Walt. That lord hath offered you 

His hand again. 
Julia. He has ? 

Walt. Your father knows it ; he approves of him. 

There are the title-deeds of the estates, {points to table) 

Sent for my jealous scrutiny. All sound — 

No flaw or speck, that e'en the lynx-eyed law 

Itself could find, A lord of many lands ! 

In Berkshire half a county ; and the same 

In Wiltshire, and in Lancasliire ! Across 

The Irish Sea, a principality! 

And not a rood with bond or lien on it ! 

Wilt give that lord a wife 1 Wilt make thyself 

A countess 1 Here's the proffer of his hand, [shows letter) 

Write thou content, and wear a coronet ! 
Julia {eagerly). Give me the paper ! 

Walt. There ! Here's pen and ink. ( goes up l. of 

table and lays the letter doivn for her to sign) 

Sit down, {points to chair, r. of table. Julia takes the seat) Why 
do you pause ? A flourish of 

The pen, and you're a countess. 
Julia. " My poor brain 

•' Whirls round and round !" I would not wed him now 

Were he more lowly at my feet to sue 

Than e'er he did. 
Walt. Wed whom? 

Julia. Sir Thomas Clifford ! 

Walt, You're right. 
Julia, " His rank and wealth are roots to doubt, 

" And while they lasted, still the weed would grow, 

"Howe'eryou plucked it. No! That's o'er — that's done !" 

Was never ladj"- wronged so foul as I ! {weeps.) 
Walt. Thou'rt to be pitied. 
Julia {with offended pride). Pitied! Not so bad 

As that. 
Walt. Indeed thou art, to love the man 

That spurns thee ! 
Julia. Love him ! Love ! If hate could find 

A word more harsh than its own name, I'd take it. 



ACT III.] THE HUNCHBACK. 4] 

To speak the love I bear him ! {weeps.) 

Walt. Write thy own name, 

And show how near akin thy hate's to hate ! 

Julia {wriies). 'Tis done ! 

Walt. 'Tis well ! I'll come to you anon. 

[Takes the paper hastily, and exits, L. 2 B. 

Julia (alone). I'm glad 'tis done ! I'm very glad 'tis done ! 
I've done the thing I should. From my disgrace 
This lord shall lift me 'bove the reach of scorn — 
" That idly wags its tongue, where wealth and state 
" Need only beckon to have crowds to laud !" 
Then how the tables change ! The hand he spurned 
His betters take ! Let me remember that .' 
I'll grace my rank ! I will ! I'll carry it 
As I were born to it ! I warrant none 
Shall say it fits me not — but one and all 
Confess I wear it bravely, as I ought. 
And he shall hear it ! ay, and he shall see it ! 
I will roll by him in an equipage 
Would mortgage his estate — but he shall own 
His slight of me was my advancement ! Love me ? 
He never loved me ! if he had he ne'er 
Had given me up ! Love's not a spider's web, 
But fit to mesh a fly — that you can break 
By only blowing on't ! He never loved me ! 
He knows not what love is — or, if he does, 
He has not been o'er chary of his peace ! 
And that he'll find when I'm another's wife, {a pause) 
Lost I — lost to him forever ! (rises, and advances) Tears again ! 
Why should I weep for him ? Who make their woes 
Deserve them ! What have I to do with tears ? 

JEnter Helen, l. 

Helen. News, Julia, news ! 

Julia. What ! Is't about Sir Thomas 1 

Helen. Sir Thomas, say you 1 He's no more Sir Thomas ! 

That cousin lives, as heir to whom, his wealth 

And title came to him. 
Julia. Was he not dead 1 

Helen. No more than I am dead. 

Julia. I would 'twere not so ! (they cross.) 

Helen. What say you, Julia ? 
Julia. Nothing ! 

" Helen. I could kiss 

" That cousin ! couldn't you, Julia 1 
"Julia. Wherefore? 

"Helen. Why, 

" For coming back to life again, as 'twei-e 

" Upon his cousin, to revenge you. 
"Julia. Helen!" 

Helen (with merry irony throughout). Indeed, 'tis true. With what a 
sorry grace 

The gentleman will bear himself without 

His title ! Master Clifibrd ! Have you not 

Some token to return him 1 Some love-letter 7 

Some brooch ? Some pin 1 Some anything 1 I'll be 



42 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT IH. 

Tour messenger, for nothing but the pleasure 

Of calling hira plain ' Master Cliflford." 
Julia {angrily, and offended). Helen! 

Helen. Or has he aught of thine 1 Write to him, Ji^Jia, 

Demanding it. Do, Julia, if you love me ; 

And I'll direct it in a schoolboy's hand, 

As round as I can write *' To Master Cliflford." 
Julia. Helen! 

Helex. I'll think of fifty thousand ways 

To mortify him ! I've a twentieth cousin, 

A care-for-naught at mischief. Him I'll set, 

With twenty other madcaps like himself, 

To walk the streets the traitor most frequents, 

And give hira salutation as he passes — 

" How do you, Master Cliflford ?" 
Julia {higUxj incensed). Helen ! 

Helen. Bless me ! 

Julia. I bate you, Helen ! {she crosses to k., and sinks on chair,) 

Enter Modus, l. 1 e. 

Mod. Joy for you, fair lady! 

Our baronet is now plain gentleman, 

And hardly that — not master of the means 

To bear himself as such ! The kinsman lives 

Whose only rumored death gave wealth to him, 

And title. A hard creditor he proves. 

Who keeps strict reckoning — will have interest. 

As well as principal. A ruined man 

Is now Sir Thomas Cliflford. 
Helex. I'm glad on't. 

Mod. And so am I. A scurvy trick it was 

He served you, madam. Use a lady so I 

I merely bore with him. I never liked him. 
Helen. No more di'd I. No, never could I think 

He looked his title. 
Mod. No, nor acted it. 

If rightly they report. " He ne'er disbursed 

" To entertain his friends, 'tis broadly said, 

" A hundred pounds in the year." He was most poor 

In the appointments of a man of rank, 

Possessing wealth like his. " His horses, hacks ! 

"His gentleman, a footman ! and his footman, 

" A groom ! The sports that men of quality 

" And spirit countenance, he kept aloof from ; 

" From scruple of economy, not taste — 

" As racing and the like." In brief, he lacked 

Those shining points, that more than name, denote 

High breeding ; and, moreover, was a man 

Of very shallow learning. 
Julia {rising, angrily). Silence, sir I 

For siiame ! 
Helen. Why, Julia 1 

Julia (advancing). Speak not to me ! Poor, 

Most poor ! I tell you, sir, he was the making 

Of fifty gentlemen — each one of whom* 

Were more than peer for thee ! His title, sir, 



A.CT III.] THE HUNCHBACK. 43 

Lent him no grace he did not pay it back ! 

Tho' it had been the liighest of the high, 

He would have looked it, felt it, acted it, 

As thou couldst ne'er have done ! When found you out 

You liked him not 1 It was not e'er to-day ! 

" Or that base spirit I must reckon yours, 

•' Which smiles where it would scowl — can stoop to hate, 

" And fear to show it !' He was your better, sir, 

And is ! Ay, is ! though stripped of rank and wealth, 

His nature's 'bove our fortune's love or spite, 

To blazon or to blur itl {retiring tip c.) 

Mod. {crosses to Helen). 1 was told 

Much to disparage him — I know not wherefore. 

Helen. And so was I, and know as much the cause. (Modus and 
Helen ffo up, c. Julia comes down, k.) 

Re-enter Master Walter, with parchments. 

Walt. Joy, my Julia ! [crosses to her.) 

Impatient love has foiesight ! Lo you here. 

The marriage deed's filled up, except a blank 

To write your jointure. What you will, my girl! 

Is this a lover ? Look ! Three thousand pounds 

Per annum for your private charges ! Ha ! 

There's pin money ! Is this a lover 1 Mark 

What acres, forests, tenements, are taxed 

For your revenue, and so set apait 

That finger cannot touch them, save thine own. (Julia striving 
to conceal her emotion, shtJcs on chair, r.) 

Is this a lover ? What good foi lane's thine ! 

Thou dost not speak ; but 'tis the way with joy ! 

With richest heart, it has the poorest tongue ! (Modus comes 
doivn R. of Julia.) 
Mod. What great good fortune's this you speak of, sir 1 
Walt. A coronet. Master Modus ! You behold 

The wife elect, sir, of no less a man. 

Than the new Earl of Rochdale — heir of him 

That's recently deceased. (Modus retires, and rejoins Helen.) 
" Helen. My dearest Julia, 

*' Much joy to you ! 
" Mod. All good attend you, Madam ! 

" Walt." This letter brings excuses from his Lordship, 

Whose absence it accounts for. He repairs 

To his estate in Lancashire, and thither 

We follow. 
Julia. When, sir 1 (rises. Helen and Modus at back, r., 

converse.) 
Walt, Now. This very hour ! 

Jdlia. This very hour ! Oh, cruel, fatal haste! 
Walt. (l. c ). Oh, cruel, fatal haste ! What meanest thou 1 

Have I done wrong to do thy biddiucr, then 1 

I've done no more. 'J'hou wast an off-cast bride, 

And would'st be an aflSanced one— thou art so ! 

Thou'dst have the slight tliat marked thee out for scorn 

Converted to a means of gracing thee — 

It is so ! " If our wishes come too soon, 

* What can make sure of welcome 1 In my zeal 



44 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT III. 

" To win thee thine, thou know'st, at any time 
" I'd play the steed, whose will to serve his lord 
"With his last breath gives his last bound for him ! 
" Since only noon have dispatched what well 
" Had kept a brace of clerks, and more, on foot — 
" And then, perhaps, had been to do again — 
" Not finished sure, complete — the compact firm, 
"As fate itself had sealed it ! 

" Julia. Give you thanks ! 

" Tho' 'twere my death ! my death ! 

"Walt. Thy death! Indeed, 

" For happiness like this, one well might die !" 
Take thy lord's letter. 

Enter Thomas with letter, l. 1 e. 

Wein 
Thom. This letter, sir, 

The gentleman that served Sir Thomas Clifford — 

Or him that was Sir Thomas — gave to me, 

For Mistress Julia. 
Julia. Give it me ! {throwing away the one she holds.) 

Walt, {snatchivg it). For what ! [Exit Thomas, l. 1 e. 

Would'st read it 1 He's a bankrupt ! stripped of title, 

House, chattels, lands and all ! A naked bankrupt, 

With neither purse nor trust ! Would'st read his letter 1 

A beggar ! Yea, a beggar ! fasts, unless 

He dines on alms ! " How durst he send thee a letter'? 

" A fellow cut on this hand, and on that, 

" Bows, and is cut again, and bows again ! 

" Who pays you fifty smiles for half a one — 

" And that given grudgingly." To send you a letter ! 

I burst with choler. Thus I treat his letter ! {tears and throws 
it on the ground^ and crosses to and fro) 

So ! I was wrong to let him rufiie me ; 

He is not worth the spending anger on ! 

I prithee, Master Modus, use dispatch, (Modus and Helen 
advance) 

And presently make ready for our ride. 

You, Helen, to my Julia look — a change 

Of dresses will suffice. She must have new ones, 

Matches for her new state ! Haste, friends ! 

[Exit Modus, r. 1 e. Helen pauses at entrance. 

My Julia ! 

Why stand you poring there upon the ground ] 

Time flies. Your rise astounds you % Never heed — 

You'll play my lady countess like a queen ! 

CURTAIN.* 



* This Scene ends the Fourth Act in the Union Square version. 



ACT IV.] THE HUNCHBACK. 45 

ACT IV.* 

SCENE I. — A room in the Earl of Rochdale's. 

Enter Helen, l. c. 

Helen. I'm weary wandering from room to room ; 
A castle after all is but a house — 
The dullest one when lacking company ! 
Were I at home I could be company 
Unto myself. " I see not Master Walter. 
'* He's ever with his ward. 1 see not her. 
" By Master Walter will she bide, alone. 
" My father stops in town. I can't see him. 
" My cousin makes his books his company." 
I'll go to bed and sleep. No — I'll stay up 
And plague my cousin into making love! 
For that he loves me shrewdly I suspect. 
How dull he is that hath not sense to see 
What lies before him, and he'd like to find ! 
I'll change my treatment of him — cross him, where 
Before I used to humor him. He comes, 
Poring upon a book. 

Enter Modus, l. c, reading book. 

What's that you read 7 
Mod. Latin, sweet cousin. 
Helen. 'Tis a naughty tongue 

I fear, and teaches men to lie. 
Mod. To lie! 

Helen. You study it. You call your cousin sweet, 

And treat her as you would a crab. " As sour 

" 'Twould seem you think her, so you covet her ! 

" Why, how the monster stares, and looks about!" 

You construe Latin, and can't construe that? 
M"D. 1 never studied women. 
Helen. No ; nor men. 

Else would you better know their ways ; nor read 

In presence of a lady, [strikes the book from his hand.) 
Mod. Right, you say. 

And well you served me, cousin, so to strike 

The volume from my hand. I own my fault. 

So please you — may I pick it up again ? 

I'll put it in my pocket ! 
Helen. Pick it up. 

{aside) He fears me as I were his grandmother \ 

{aloud) What is the book 1 
Mod. 'Tis Ovid's Art of Love. 

Helen. That Ovid was a fool ! 
Mod. In what 7 

Helen. In that ; 

* The Fifth Act in the Union Square version commences with this Scene, which is 
transferred to a grand saloon in the Earl of Rochdale's house— and forms also tho 
Scene for the Sixth and last Act. 



46 TUE HUNCHBACK. [act IV, 

To call that thing an art, which art is none. 
Mod. And is not love an art 1 
Helen. Are yon a fool, 

As well as Ovid 1 Love an art ? No art 

But taketh time and pains to learn. Love comes 

With neither. Is't to hoard such grain as that, 

You went to college 1 Better stay at home, 

And study homely English. 
Mod. Nay, you know not 

The argument. 
Helen. I don't 1 I know it better 

Than ever Ovid did ! " The face — the form — 

" The heart — the mind we fancy, cousin ; that's 

"The argument! Why, cousin, you know nothing." 

Suppose a lady were in love with thee, 

Could'st thou, by Ovid, cousin, find it out? 

Could'st find it out, was't thou in love thyself 7 

Could Ovid, cousin, teach thee to make love 1 

I could, that never read him. You begin 

With melancholy, then to sadness, then 

To sickness ; then to dying — but not die ! 

She would not let thee, were she of my mind ; 

She'd take compassion on thee. Then for hope ; 

From hope to confidence ; from confidence 

To boldness — then you'd speak ; at first entreat ; 

Then urge; then flout; then argue; then enforce; 

Make prisoner of her hand ; besiege her waist ; 

Threaten her lips with storming ; keep thy word 

And carry her ! My sampler 'gainst thy Ovid ! {ct'osses, l.) 

Why, cousin, are you frightened, that you stand 

As you were stricken dumb 1 The case is clear, 

You are no soldier. You'll ne'er win a battle. 

You care too much for blows ! 
Mod. You wrong me there. 

At school I was the champion of my form. 

And since I went to college 

Helen. That for college — {snapping her fin- 

gers and crossing laughing.^ 
Mod. Nay, hear me ! 
Helen. Well 1 What, since you went to college 1 

" You know what men are set down for who boast 

" Of their own bravery. Go on, brave cousin ! 

" What since you went to college 1 " Was there not 

One Quentin Halworth there ? You know there was, 

And that he was your master ! 
Mod. He my master ! 

Thrice was he worsted by me. 
Helen. Still was he 

Your master. 
Mod. He allowed I had the best ! 

Allowed it, mark me ! Nor to me alone, 

But to twenty I could name. 
Helen. And mastered j-ou 

At last ! Confess it, cousin, 'tis the truth. 

A proctor's daughter you did both affect — ■ 

Look at me and deny it ! Of the twain 

She more affected you ; — I've caught you now. 



ACT IV.] THE nUNCHBACK. 47 

" Bold cousin ! Mark you ! Opportunity "— 

An opportunity she gave you, sir — 

Deny it if you can ! — but though to others, "" 

When you discoursed of her, you were a flame, 

To her you were a wick that would not light, 

Though held in the very fire ! And so he won her — 

Won her because he wooed her like a man, 

For all your cuffings, cuffing you again 

With most usurious interest. Now, sir, 

Protest that you are valiant ! 
Mod. Cousin Helen ! 

Helen. Well, sir 1 

Mod. The tale is all a forgery ! 

Helen. A forgery ! 
Mod. From first to last ; ne'er spoke I 

To a proctor's daughter while I was at college. 
Helen. It was a scrivener's then — or somebody's. 

But what concerns it whose 1 Enough, you loved her, 

And, shame upon you, let another take her ! 
Mod. Cousin, I tell you, if you'll only hear me, 

I loved no woman while I was at college — 

Save one, and her I fancied ere I went there. 
Helen. Indeed! (aside) Now I'll retreat, if he's advancing. 

Comes he not on 1 Oh, what a stock's the man ! 

(aloud) Well, cousin 1 
Mod. Well ? What more would'st have me say 1 

I think I've said enough. 
Helen. And so think I. 

I did but jest with you. You are not angry 1 

Shake hands ! {shaJcing timidly) Why, cousin, do you squeeze me 
sol 
Mod. {letting her go). I swear I squeezed you not ! 
Helen. You did not 7 

Mod. No, 

I'll die if I did ! 
Helen. Why, then you did not, cousin ; 

So let's shake hands again, [as before) Oil, go, and now 

Read Ovid ! Cousin, will you tell nie one thing : 

Wore lovers ruffs in Master Ovid's time 1 

Behoved him teach them, then, to put them on ; — 

And that you have to learn. Hold up your head ! 

Why, cousin, how you blush. Plague on the ruff"! 

I cannot give't a set. You're blushing still ! 

" Why do you blush, dear cousin ? So, 'twill beat me ! 

" I'll give it up. 
•■' Mod. Nay, prithee, don't — try on ! 

" Helev. And if I do, I fear you'll think me bold. 
•' Mod For what 1 

" Helen. To trust my face so near to thine. 

" Mod. I know not what you mean. 
" Helen. I'm glad you don't !" 

Cousin, I own right well behaved you are. 

Most marvellously well behaved ! They've bred 

You well at college. With another man 

My lips would be in danger ! Hang the ruff ! 
Mod. Nay, give it up, nor plague thyself, dear cousin. 



48 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT IV. 

Hjelex. Dear fool ! {throwing down the ruff pettishly) I swear the ruflf 

is good for just 
As little as its master ! There ' — 'tis spoiled — 
You'll have to get another. Hie for it, 
And wear it in the fashion of a wisp, 
Ere I adjust it for thee ! Farewell, cousin ! 
You've need to study Ovid's Art of Love, [Exit, k. 1 e. 

Mod. Went she in anger 1 I will follow her. {advances, thenpames) 
No, I will not ! Heigho ! I love my cousin ! 
Oh, would that she loved me ! Why did she taunt me 
With backwardness in love 1 What could she mean 1 
Sees she I love her, and so laughs at me, 
Because I lack the front to woo her 1 {she comes back and pauses) 

Nay, 
I'll woo her then ! Her lips shall be in danger 
When next she trusts them near me ! Looked she at me 
To-day as never did she look before ! 
*' A bold heart, Master Modus ! 'Tis a saying, 
" A faint one never won fair lady yet. 
" I'll woo my cousin, come what will on't. Yes !" {begins to 

read, pauses, and thrusts book into his bosom) 
Hang Ovid's Art of Love ! I'll woo my cousin ! 

[Exit, L. 1 E. Helex, laughing merrily, exits, r. 1 e. 

SCENE TL.—The Banqueting Room in the Eael of Eochdale's mansion.* 

Enter Master "Walter and Julia, l. u. e. He walks across to a chair, 
brings it forward, and sits, R. c. ; she stands, l. 

Walt, This is the banqueting room. Thou see'st as far 
It leaves the last behind as that excels 
The former ones. All is proportion here 
And harmony ! Observe ! The massy pillars 
May well look proud to bear the lofty dome. 
. " You mark those full-length portraits 1 They're the heads, 
" The stately heads of his ancestral hne. 
" Here o'er the feast they aptly still preside! 
" Mark those medallions ! Stand they forth or not 
" In bold and fair relief V" Is not this brave ? 

Julia {abstractedly). It is. 

Walt. It should be so. To cheer the blood 

That flows in noble veins is made the feast 
That gladdens here ! " You see this drapery 1 
" 'Tis richest velvet! Fringe and tassels gold ! 
" Is not this costly 1 

" Julia. Yes. 

" Walt. And chaste, the while 1 

" Both chaste and costly 1 

"Julia. Yes." 

Walt, {gets tip and crosses to l., points off l, for mirror). Come hither I 
There's a mirror for you. See! 
One sheet from floor to ceiling ! Look into it. 
Salute its mistress ! Dost not know her 1 

Julia {sighing deeply). Yes. 

" Walt. And sighest thou to know her 1 Wait until 

* There is no change in the Union Square version. 



ACT IV.] THE HUNCHBACK. 49 

" To-morrow, when the banquet shall be spread 

" In the fair hall ; the guests already bid, 

"Around it ; here her lord, and there herself, 

" Presiding o'er the cheer that hails him bridegroom 

" And her the happy bride ! Dost hear me ] 
" JtJLiA, [sighing still more deepkj'). Yes," 

Walt. " These are the day-rooms only we have seen, 

" For public and domestic uses kept." 

I'll show you now the lodging rooms, {goes, then turns and ob- 
serves Julia s'onling perfeclhi abstracted) You're tired. 

Let it be till after dinnn- tlien. Yet one 

I'd like thee much to see — the bridal chamber. (Julia starts, 
crosses her hands upon her breast, and looks jipwards) 

I see you're tired ; yet is it worth the viewing, 

If only for the tapestry, which shows 

The needle like the pencil glow with life, {she sits on the chair 
Master Walter has risen from, r. c. He l.) 

The story's of a page who loved the dame 

He served — a princess ! Love's a heedless thing ! 

That never takes account of obstacles ; 

Makes plains of mountains, rivulets of seas. 

That part it from its wish. So proved the page, 

Who from a state so lowly looked so high — 

But love's a greater lackwit still than this. 

Say it aspires — that's gain ! Love stoops — that's loss ! 

You know what comes. The princess loved the page. 

Shall I go on, or here leave oflf 1 
Julia. Go on. 

Walt. Each side of the chamber shows a different stage 

Of this fond youth and fonder lady's love.* 

" First — no, it is not that. ; 

" Julia. Oh, recollect ! 

*' Walt. And yet it is ! 

" Julia. No doubt it is. What is't 7 

" Walt. He holds to her a salver, with a cup ; 

" His cheek more mantling with his passion, than 

•' The cup with the ruby wine. She heeds him not, 

"For too great heed of him — but seems to hold 

" Debate betwixt her passion and her pride, 

" That's like to lose the day. You read it in 

" Her vacant eye, knit brow, and parted lips, 

" Which speak a heart too busy all within 

" To note what's done without. Like you the tale ?• 
" Julia. I list to every word. 
" Walt. The next s.de paints 

" The page upon his knee. He has told his tale ; 

* In some representations the passages following this are frequently omitted ; 
where such is the case, the abbreviated dialogue runs thus:— 

Walt. The first side paints their passion in the dawn — 

In the next side 'tis shining open day— 

In the third there's clouding— I but touch on these 

To make a long tale brief, and bring thee to 

The last side. 
Julia What shows that ? 

Walt. The fate of love 

That will not be advised. The scene's a dungeon ; 

Its tenant is the page — he lies in fetters 
Julia. Hard ! 

Hr:c; rs \Yc steel the liands that put them on ! 



60 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT IV. 

" And found that, when he lost his heart, he played 

" No losing game ; but won a richer one ! 

" There may you read in him, how love would seem 

" Most humble when most bold — you question which 

" Appears to kiss her hand — his breath or lips ! 

" in her you read how wholly lost is she 

" Who trusts her heart to love. Shall I give o'er 1 
" Julia. Nay, tell it to the end. Is't melancholy 1 
" Walt. To answer that would mar the story. 
"Julia. ' Right! 

" Walt. The third side now we come to. 
" Julia. What shows that 1 

" Walt. The page and princess still. But stands her sire 

" Between them. Stern he grasps his daughter's arm, 

" Whose eyes like fountains play ; while through her tears 

*' Her passion shines, as, through the fountain drops, 

" The sun ! His minions crowd around the page ! 

"They drag him to a dungeon. 
" Julia. Hapless youth ! 

" Walt. Hapless, indeed, that's twice a captive ! heart 

*' And body both in bonds. But that's the chain, 

" Which balance cannot weigh, rule measure, touch 

" Define the texture of, or eye detect, 

*' That's forged by the subtle craft of love ! 

" No need to tell you that he wears it. Such 

" The cunning of the hand that plied the loom, 

" You've but to mark the straining of his eye 

" To feel the coil yourself! 
" Julia. I feel't without I 

" You've finished with the third side ; now the fourth ! 

" Walt. It brings us to a dungeon, then 

" Julia. The page, 

" The thrall of love, more than the dungeon's thrall, 

"Is there 1 
"Walt. He is. He lies in fetters ! 

" Julia. Hard — 

" Hard as the steel, the hands that put them on !" 
Walt. Some one unrivets them. 

Julia. The princess 1 'Tis ! 

Walt. It is another page, 
Julia. It is herself ! 

Walt. Her skin is fair, and his is berry brown. 

His locks are raven black, and hers are gold. 
Julia. Love's cunning at disguises ! spite of locks, 

Skin, vesture — it is she, and only she ! 

What will not constant woman do for love, 

That's loved with constancy ! Set her the task, 

Virtue approving, that will baffle her ! 

O'ertax her stooping, patience, courage, wit ! 

My life upon it, 'tis the princess's self. 

Transformed into a page ! 
Walt. The dungeon door 

Stands open, and you see beyond 

Julia. Her father! 

Walt. No ; a steed ! 

Julia [starting up). Oh, welcome steed, 

My heart bounds at the thought of t^e« ! T.fcou oom'st 



ACT IT.] TUE HtTNCHBACK. 51 

To bear the page from bonds to liberty. 

What else 1 
Walt, {rising). Th« story's told. 
Julia. Too briefly told ! 

Oh, happy princess, that had wealth and state 

To lay them down for love ! " Whose constant love 

" Appearances approved, not falsified ! 

" A winner in thy loss as well as gain." 
Walt. Weighs love so much "? 
Julia. What would you weigh 'gainst love 

That's true ? Tell me with what you'd turn the scale 1 

Yea, make the index waver 1 Wealth % A feather ! 

Rank l Tinsel against bullion in the balance ! 

The love of kindred 1 That to set 'gainst love ! 

Friendship comes nearest to't ; but put it in, 

And friendship kicks the beam — weigh nothing 'gainst it ! 

Weigh love against the world ! 

" Yet are they happy that have naught to say to it. 
*' Walt. And such a one art thou. Who wisely wed, 

" Wed happily. The love thou speak'st of, 

" A flower is only, that its season has, 

" Which they must look to see the withering of, 

" Who pleasure in its budding and its bloom ! 

"But wisdom is the constant evergreen 

" Which lives the whole year through. Be that your flower !" 

Eiiter Servant, l. 1 e. 
Wein 

Serv. My lord's secretary is without. 

He brings a letter for her ladyship, 
And craves admittance to her. 

Walt. Show him in. 

Julia. No! 

Walt. Thou must see him. To show slight to him 

Were slighting him that sent him. Show him in ! 

[Exit Servant, l. 1 e. 
Some errand proper for thy private ear. 
Besides the letter. What's the matter ? Why 
This paleness and this trembling ? (c.) Mark me, Julia ! 
If, from these nuptials which thyself invited — 
Which, at thy seeking came — thou would'st be freed, 
Thou hast gone too far ! Receding were disgrace, 
Sooner than see thee suffer which, the hearts 
That love thee most would wish thee dead ! Reflect! 
Take thought! Collect thyself ! With dignity 
Receive thy bridegroom's messenger ! for sure 
As dawns to-morrow's sun, to-morrow night 
Sees thee a wedded bride ! {Exit, c. d. 

Julia {alone). A wedded bride ! 

Is it a dream 1 " Is it a phantasm 1 'Tis 
" Too horrible for reality! for aught else 
" Too palpable !" Oh, would it were a dream ! 
How would I bless the sun that waked me from it! 
" I perish ! Like some desperate mariner 
" Impatient of a strange and hostile land, 
" Who rashly hoists his sail, and puts to sea, 
** And being fast on reefs and quicksands borne, 



52 THE HUNCHBACK. [>CT IV. 

"Essays in vain once more to make the land, 

" Whence wind and current drive him." — I am wrecked ! 

By mine own act ! What ! no escape 1 no hopel 

None ! I must e'en abide these hated nuptials ! 

Hated ! Ay ! own it, and then curse thyself! 

" That mad'st the bane thou loathest " — for the love 

Thou bear'st to one who never can be thine ! 

Yes — love ! Deceive thyself no longer. False 

To say 'tis pity for his fall ! — " respect, 

" Engendered by a hollow world's disdain, 

" Which hoots whom fickle fortune cheers no more ! 

" 'Tis none of these ; " 'tis love — and if not love, 

Why, then, idolatry ! Ay, that's the name 

To speak the broadest, deepest, strongest passion, 

That ever woman's heart was borne away by ! 

He comes ! Thou'dst play the lady — play it now ! 

JEnter Servant, l. 1 e., conducting Clifford, plainly attired, as the Eari 
OF Rochdale's secretary. 

Serv. His lordship's secretary, [Uxit, c. d. 

Julia (aside). Speaks he not 1 

Or does he wait for orders to unfold 
His business ? Stopped his business till I spoke, 
I'd hold my peace forever ! (Clifford kneels, presenting a letter 

Does he kneel ] 
A lady am I to my heart's content ! 
Could he unmake me that which claims his knee, 
I'd kneel to him — I would ! I would ! {aloud) Your will 1 
Clif. {loivly and humbly). This letter from my lord. 
SvLix (aside). Oh, fate ! (a/o«rf) Who speaks ' 

Clif. the secretary of my lord, {rises.) 
Julia {aside). I breathe ! 

I could have sworn 'twas he ! {makes an effort to looJi at him 

but is unable) 
So like the voice — 

I dare not look, lest there the form should stand ! 
How came he by that voice ? 'Tis Clifford's voice. 
If ever Clifford spoke ! " My fears come back I" — 
Clifford the secretary of my lord ? 
Fortune hath freaks ; but none so mad as that ! 
It cannot be — it should not be — a look. 
And all were set at rest, {tries again, but cannot) So strong ra; 

fears, 
Dread to confirm them takes away the power 
~ To try and end them ! Come the worst, I'll look ! {she iri( 
again, and is again unequal to the task) 
I'd sink before him, if I met his eye ! 
Clip, {meekly). Wilt please your ladyship to take the letter ? 
Julia {aside). There Clifford speaks again ! Not Cliflford's breath 
Could more make Clifford's voice ! Not Clifford's tongue 
And lips more frame it into Clifford's speech ! 
A question, and 'tis over, {aloud) Know I youl 
Clif. Reverse of fortune, lady, changes friends ; 
It turns them into strangers. What I am, 
I have not always been ! 
Julia. Could I not name you 1 



ACT IV.] 1UK nUNCHBA-CK. 53 

Clif. If your disdain for one, perhaps too bold, 

When hollow fortune called him favorite — 

" Now by her fickleness perforce reduced 

" To take an humble tone," would suffer you 

Julia. I might 7 

Clif. You might ! 

Julia (turns, starts — with grief ). Oh, Clifford! Is it you 1 

Clip, {coldly). Your answer to my lord ! {offering the letter.') 

Julia {tvith emphasis). Your lord! 

Clif. {rising). Wilt write it 

Or will it please you send a verbal one ? 

I'll bear it faithfully. 
Julia {astonished). Toull bear it 1 

Clip. Madam, 

Your pardon, but my haste is somewhat urgent. 

My Lord's impatient, and to use dispatch 

Were his repeated orders. 
Julia. Orders 7 WeU, {c, taking letter) 

I'll read the letter, sir. 'Tis right you mind 

His Lordship's orders. They are paramount! 

Nothing should supersede them— stand beside them ! 

They merit all your care, and have it ! Fit, 

Most fit they should ! Give me the letter, sir. 
Clip. You have it, madam. 
Julia. So ! (aside) How poor a thing 

I look ! so lost, while he is all himself! 

Have I no pride 7 {she rings, the Servant enters, r. 1 e.) 

{to Servant) Paper, and pen and ink ! [Uxit Servant, r. 1 b, 

(aside) If he can freeze, 'tis time that I grow cold ! 

I'll read the letter ! {opens it, and holds it as about to read it) 
Mind his orders ! So ! 

Quickly he fits his habits to his fortunes ! 

He serves my Lord with all his will ! His heart's 

In his vocation. So ! Is this the letter 1 

'Tis upside down— and here I'm poring on't! 

Most fit I let him see me play the fool ! 

Shame ! Let me be myself! 

Servant re-enters with materials for writing, and exits. 

"A table, sir, 

" And chair " (she sits awhile, gazing vacantly on the letter — then 
looks at Clifford) How plainly shows his humble suit ! 

It fits not him that wears it. I have wronged him ! 

He can't be happy — does not look it — is not ! 

That eye which reads the ground is argunvent 

Enough ! He loves me ! There I let him stand, 

And 1 am sitting ! (rises, and points to a chair) 

(aloud) Pray you, take a chair, {he bows, declining the honor. 
She looks at him awhile, thin speaks with a sudden burst of 
kindness she cannot restrain) 

Clifford, why don't you speak to me ? (weeps.) 
Clif. I trust 

You're happy. 
Julia. Happy ! Very, very happy ! 

You see I weep I am so happy ! Tears 

Are signs, you know, of naught but happiness. 



54 THE hu:jjchback. [act it. 

When first I saw you little did I look 

To be so happy ! Clifford ! 
Clif. Madam 1 

Julia. Madam . 

I call thee Clifford, and thou call'st me madam! 
Clif. Sach the address my duty stints me to. 

Thou art the wife elect of a proud earl — 

Wliose humble secretary sole am I. 
Julia. Most riglit! I had forgot! I thank you, sir, 

For so reminding me ; and give you joy 

That what I see had been a burthen to you 

Is fairly off your hands. 
Clif. * A burthen to me 1 

Mean j'ou yourself? Are you that burthen, Julia? 

Say that tlie sun's a burthen to the earth ! 

Say that the blood's a burthen to the heart I 

Saj' health's a burthen, peace, contentment, joy, 

Fame, riches, honors ; every thing that man 

Desires, and gives the name of blessing to — 

E'en such a burthen Julia were to me 

Had fortune let me wear her. 
Julia (aside). On the brink 

Of what a precipice I'm standing ! Back I 

Back! while the facultj'- remains to do't ! 

A minute longer, not the whirlpool's self 

More sure to suck thee down ! One effort ! (sits l. of table) 
There ! {recovers her self-possession, takes up the letter and 
reads) 

(aside) To wed to-morrow night ! Wed whom 1 A man 

Whom I can never love I I should before 

Have thought of that. To-morrow night ! This hour 

To-morrow ! How I tremble ! ♦' Happy bands 

" To which my heart such freezing welcome gives, 

"As sends an ague through me !" At what means 

Will not the desperate snatch 1 What's honor's price ? 

Nor friends, nor lovers — no, nor life itself! 

(aloud) Chfford! This moment leave me I (Clifford retires 
up the stage — aside) Is he gone "? 

Oh, docile lover ! Do his mistress' wish 

That went against his own ! Do it so soon ! 

Ere well 'twas uttered ! No good-bye to her I 

No word ! no look ! 'Twas best that so he went . 

Alas ! the strait of her who owns that best, 

Which last she'd wish were done 1 What's left me now ? 

To weep ! To weep ! - 

t-eans her head upon her arm, which rests upon the table — her other ,arm 
hanging listless at her side. Gliffoed comes doion the stage, looks a 
momerit at her, approaches her, and kneeling, takes her hand. 

Clif. {with stifled emotioft). My Julia ! 

Julia. Here again ? 

Up ! up ! By all thy hopes of heaven, go hence ! 

To stay's perdition to me ! Look you, Clifford ! 

Were there a grave where thou art kneeling now 

I'd walk into'f, and be inearthed alive, 

Ere taint should touch my name. Should some one come 



ACT IT.] THE HUNCHBACK. 55 

And see thee kneeling thus ! Let so my hand ! 

Remember, Clifford, I'm a promised bride — 

And take thy arm away ! It has no right 

To clasp ray waist ! Judge you so poorly of me. 

As think I'll suffer this 1 My honor, sir ! {she breaks from him, 
qtiittlvg her seat — he rises) 

I'm glad you've forced me to respect myself — . 

You'll find that I can do so ! 
Clip. (c). I was bold — 

Forgetful of your station and my own. 

There was a time I held your hand unchid ! 

There was a time I might have clasped your waist — 

1 had forgot that time was past and gone ! 

I pray you, pardon me ! 
Julia {softened). I do so, Clifford ! 

Clif. 1 shall no more offend. 
Julia. Make sure of that. 

No longer is it fit thou keep'st thy post 

In's Lordship's household. Give it up. A day — 

An hour remain not in it. 
Clif. Wherefore '? 

Julia. Live 

In the same house with me, and I another's ? 

Put miles, put leagues between us ! The same land 

Should not contain us. " Oceans should divide us — 

" With barriers of constant tempests — such 

" As mariners durst not tempt !" Oh, Clifford ! CHfford ! 

Rash was the act so light that gave me up, 

That stung a woman's pride, and drove her mad — 

Till, in her frenzy, she destroyed her peace ! 

Oh, it was rashly done ! Had you reproved — 

Expostulated — had you reasoned with me — 

Tried to find out what was indeed my heart — 

I would have shown it — you'd have seen it. All 

Had been as naught can ever be again ! 
Clif. Lov'st thou me, Julia 1 
Julia. Dost thou ask me, Clifford 1 

Clif. These nuptials may be shunned 

Julia. With honor 1 

Clif. Yes ! 

Julia. Then take me ! Hold ! — hear me, and take me then ! 

Let not thy passion be my counsellor ! 

Deal with me, Clifford, as my brother. Be 

The jealous guardian of my spotless name ! 

Scan thou my cause as 'twere thy sister's ! Let 

Thy scrutiny o'erlook no point of it — 

And turn it o'er, not once, but many a time ; — 

That flaw, speck, yea, the shade of one — a soil 

So slight not one out of a thousand eyes 

Could find it out — may not escape thee ; then 

Say if these nuptials can be shunned with honor ! 
Clif. Thev can. 
Julia. Then take me, Clifford ! {they embrace.) 

Enter Master Walter, g. d. ; pauses, then comes down. 

Walt. Ha ! What's this ? 



56 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT IV. 

Ha ! treason ! What ! my baronet that was, 

My secretary now ! Your servant, sir ! 

Is't thus you do the pleasure of your lord, — 

" That for your service feeds you, clothes you, pays you ! 

" Or tak'st thou but the name of his dependent 1" 

What's here 1— a letter I {snatches letter from table) Fifty crowns 
to one 

A forgery ! I'm wrong. It is his hand. 

This proves thee double traitor ! 
Clip, {warmly, then controlling himself). Traitor! 
Julia. Nay, 

Control thy wrath, good Master Walter. Do — 

And I'll persuade him to go hence. ( Master Walter retires 
up the stage, R., ivith letter, and remains there until Clifford 
is off. Aside to Clifford) I see 

For me thou bearest this, and thank thee, Clifford ! 

As thou hast truly shown thy heart to me, 

So truly I to thee have opened mine ! 

Time flies ! To-morrow, if thy love can find 

A way, such as thou said'st, for my enlargement — 

By any means thou can'st apprize me of it — 

And soon as shown I'll take it. 
Walt, (r.) Is he gone 1 

Julia {aloud). He is — ^this moment! {aside to Clifford) If thou cov- 
et'st me, 

Win me and wear me ! May I trust thee ! {sinks on Clifford's 
breast) Oh ! 

If that's thy soul that's looking through thine eyes, 

Thou lov'st me, and I may — I sicken lest 

I never see thee more ! 
Clif. As life is mine, 

The ring that goes thy wedding finger on, 

No hand save mine shall place there ! 
Walt. Lingers he 1 

Julia. For my sake, now away ! " And yet a word. 

" By all thy hopes most dear, be true to me I 

" Go, now ! Yet stay !" Oh, Clifford, while you're here 

I'm like a bark distressed and corapassless. 

That by a beacon steers — when you're away, 

That bark alone, and tossing miles at sea ! 

Now go ! Farewell ! My compass — beacon — land ! 

When shall mine eyes be blessed with thee again ! 
Clif. Farewell ! 

[ With a struggle he tears himself away, and exits, l. 1 e. 
Julia. Art gone 1 All's care! All's chance — all's darkness ! {is be- 
ing led off by Master Walter, c, as the curtain falls.) 

curtain.'*' 



* This ends the Fifth Act in the Union Square version— there is no change of 
tor the whole of the next Act. 



ACT v.] THE nUxNCnUACli. 57 

ACT v.* 
SCENE I. — An apartment in the Earl of Rochdale's. 
Enter Helen and Fathom, c. d., and advancing. 

Fath. The long and short of it is this — if she marries this lord she'll 
break lier heart ! I wish you could see her, madam — poor lady ! 

Helen. How looks she, prithee 7 

Fath Marry, for all the world like a dripping wet cambric handker- 
chief ! She has no color nor strength in her, and does nothing but 
weep — poor lady ! 

Helen. Tell me again, what said she to thee ? 

Fath. She offered me all she was mistress of to take the letter to 
Master Clifford. She drew her purse from her pocket— her ring 
from her finger — her ear-rings from her ears ; but I was forbidden, and 
refused And now I'm sorry for it — poor lady ! 

Helen. Thou should'st be sorry. Thou hast a hard heart, Fathom. 

Fath. 1, madam ! My heart is as soft as a woman's. You should 
have seen me vv^hen I came out of her chamber — poor lady ! 

Helen. Did you cry ? 

Fath. No ; but I was near it as possible. I a hard heart! I would 
do anything to serve her — poor sweet lady ! 

Helen. Will you take her letter, asks she you again 1 

Fath. No — I am forbid. 

Helen. Will you help Master Clifford to an interview with herl 

Fath. No — Master Walter would find it out. 

Helen. Will you contrive to get me into her chamber 1 

Fath. No — you would get me into mischief. 

Helen. Go to ! You would do nothing to serve her. You a soft 
heart ! You have no heart at all ! You feel not for her. 

Fath. But I tell you I do— and good right I have to feel for her. I 
have been in love myself. 

Helen. With your dinner 1 

Fath. I would it had been ! My pain would have soon been over, 
and at little cost. A fortune I squandered upon her ! — trinkets — trim- 
mings— treatings — what swallowed up the revenue of a whole year ! 
Wasn't I in love? Six months I courted her, and a dozen crowns, all 
but one, did I disburse for her in that time. Wasn't I in love 1 An 
hostler, a tapster, and a constable courted her at the same time, and [ 
otfered to cudgel the whole three of them for her! Wasn't I in love 1 

Hklen. You are a valiant man. Fathom. 

Fath. Am not 1 1 Walks not tlie earth the man I am afraid of ! 

Hklen Fear you not Master Walter 1 

Fath. No. 

Helen. You do. 

Fath. 1 don't. 

Helen. I'll prove it to you. You see him breaking your young mis- 
tress' heart, and have not the manhood to stand by her. 

Fath. What could I do for her 1 

Helen. Let her out of prison. It were the act of a man. 

Fath. That man am 1 1 

Helen. Well said, brave Fathom. 

Fath. But my place ! 

* Act VI. in the Union Square version, with no change from preceding Scene. 



68 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT V, 

Helen. I'll provide thee with a better one. 

Fath. 'Tis a capital place ! So little to do, and so much to get for't. 
Six pounds in the year ; two suits of livery ; shoes and stockings, and 
a famous larder. He'd be a bold man that would put such a place in 
jeopardy. My place, madam, my place ! 

Helen. I tell thee I'll provide thee with a better place. Thou shalt 
have less to do and more to get. Now, Fathom, hast thou courage to 
stand by thy mistress 1 

Fath, I have ! 

Helen. That's right. 

Fath. I'll let my lady out. 

Unter Master Walter, unperceived, c. 

Helen. That's right. When, Fathom 1 
Fath. To-night. 

Helen. She is to be married to-night. 

Fath. This evening then. Master Walter is now in the library ; the 
key is on the outside, and I'll lock him in. 
Helen. Excellent ! You'll do if? 

Fath. Rely upon it. How he'll stare when he finds himself a pris- 
oner, and my yonng lady at liberty ! 

Helen. Most excellent ! You'll be sure to do it ? 
Fath. Depend upon me. When Fathom undertakes a thing he de- 
fies fire and water 

Walt, {coming fortvard between them, c). Fathom! 
Fath. {ireuibUnffly). Sir ! 

Walt. Assemble straight the servants. 
Fath. Yes, sir ! 

Walt. Mind, 

And have them in the hall when 1 come down. 
Fath. Yes, sir ! 
Walt. And see you do not stir a step. 

But where I order you. 
Fath. Not an inch, sir. 

"Walt. See that you don't — away ! [Exit Fathom, c. d. 

So, my fair mistress. 

What's this you have been plotting ? An escape 

For Mistress Julia 1 
Helen. I avow it. 

Walt. Do you 7 

Helen. Yes ; and moreover, to your face I tell you, 

Most hardly do you use her. 
Walt. Yerily ! 

Helen. I wonder where's her spirit ? Had she mine 

She would not take't so easily. Do you mean 

To force this marriage on her 1 
Walt. With your leave. 

Helen. You laugh ! 

Walt. Without it, then. I don't laugh now. 

Helen. Tf I were she, I'd find a way to escape. 
Walt. What would you do ? 

Helen. I'd leap out of the window ! 

Walt. Your window should be barred. 
Helen. I'd cheat you still ! 

I'd hang myself ere I'd be forced to marry ! 
Walt. Well said ! You shall be married, then, to-night ! 



j^CT v.] TilK HUNCflBACK. 59 

Helen. Married to-night ? 

AValt. As sure as I have said it. 

Hklen. Two words to that. Pray, who's to be my bridegroom 1 

Walt. A daughter's bridegroom is her father's choice. 

Helen. My father's daughter ne'er shall wed such bridegroom ! 

Walt. Indeed! 

Helen. I'll pick a husband for myself. 

Walt. Indeed ! 

Helen. Indeed, sir ; and indeed again ! 

Walt. Go dress you for the marriage ceremony. 

Helen. But, Master Walter, what is it you mean 1 

Enter Modus, r. d. ; he stops short. 

Walt. Here comes your cousin— he shall be your bridesman ! 
The thought's a sudden one— that will excuse 
Defect in your appointments. A plain dress — 
So 'tis of white — will do. 

Helen. I'H dress in black. 

I'll quit the castle. 

"VValt. That you shall not do. 

Its doors are guarded by my lord's domestics ; 

Its avenues — its grounds ; what you must do, 

Do with a good grace. In an hour, or less. 

Your father will be here. Make up your mind 

To take with thankfulness the man he gives you. 

(aside) Now, if they find not out how beat their hearts, 

I have no skill, not I, in feeling pulses. [Exit, l. d. 

Helen /o/Zo2^s, hut stops shorty mid looks across at Modus, at opposite iving; 
they pause, and bashfully look at each other. 

Helen. Why, cousin Modus ! What ! Will you stand by 

And see me forced to marry ( Cousin Modus, 

Have you not got a tongue 7 Have you not eyes 1 

Do you not see I'm very — very ill, {moves ioivards him) 

"And not a chair in all the corridor '? 
" Mod. I'll find one in the study, {going towards c. d.) 
" Helen. Hang the study ! 

" Mod. My room's at hand. I'll fetch one thence, {going, r.) 
" Helen. You shan't ! 

"I'll faint ere you come back !" 
Mod. {embarrassed — yet moving toivards her). What shall I do 1 
Helen Why don't you offer to support mel Well 1 

Give me your arm— be quick ! (Modus ofers his arm) Is that 
the way 

To help a lady when she's like to faint 1 

I'll drop unless you catch me! { falls against him ; he supports 
her) That will do ; 

I'm better now. {he ofers to leave her) Don't leave me ! Is one 
well 

Because one's better 1 Hold my hand, {gently pulls his arm 
round her ivaist so aft to bring his hand in front, clasping her's, 
and she resting on his bosom) Keep so. 

«' I'll soon recover, so you move not. {aside) Loves he— 

" Which 111 be sworn he does he'll own it now." 

(aloud) Well, cousin Modus 1 



60 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT M 

Mod. Well, sweet cousin 1 

Helex. Well 1 

You heard what Master Walter said 1 
Mod. I did. 

Helen. And would you have me marry ] Can't you speak 

Say yes or no. 
Mod. No, cousin. 

Helen. Bravely said ! 

And why, my gallant cousin •* 
Mod. Why ? 

Helen. Ah, why ! — 

Women, you know, are fond of reasons — why 

Would you not have me marry 1 How you look ! 

" Is it because you do not know the reason V 

You mind me of a story of a cousin 

Who once her cousin such a question asked. 

He had not been to college, though — for books 

Had passed his time in reading ladies' eyes. 

Which he could construe marvellously well, 

'• Though writ in language all symbohcal." 

Thus stood they once together, on a day — 

As we stand now — discoursed as we discourse,— 

"But with this difference — fifty gentle words 

" He spoke to her for one she spoke to him ! — 

" What a dear cousin ! well, as I did say," 

As now I questioned thee she questioned him, 

And what was his reply 1 To think of it 

Sets my heart beating — 'twas so kind a one I 

So like a cousin's answer — a dear cousin ! 

A gentle, honest, gallant, loving cousin ! 

What did he say 1 
Mod. On my soul I can't tell. 

Helen. A man might find it out, 

Though never read he Ovid's Art of Love. 

What did he say ? He'd marry her himself ! 

How stupid you are, cousin ! Let me go I 
Mod. You are not well yet. 
Helen. Yes. 

Mod. I'm sure you're not. 

Helen. I'm sure I am. 
Mod. Nav, let me hold you, cousin ! 

I like it. 
Helen {arclily). Do you ? "I would wager you 

" You could not tell me why you like it. Well ! 

" You see how true I know you." How you stare ! 

What see you in my face to wonder at ? 
Mod. [icith simplicity). A pair of eyes ! 
Helen (aside). At last he'll find his tongu ! 

{alot(d) And saw you ne'er a pair of eyes before ? 
Mod. Not such a pair. 
" Helen. And why ? 

*' Mod. They are so bright ! 

'* You have a Grecian nose." 
Helen. Indeed 1 

Mod. Indeed ! 

Helen. What kind of mouth have 1 1 
Mod. a handsome one. 



ACT v.] THE HUNCHBACK. 61 

I never saw so sweet a pair of lips ! 

I ne'er saw lips at all till now, dear cousin 
Helen. Cousin, I'm well— you need not hold me now. 

Do you not hear 1 I tell you 1 am well ! 

1 need your arm no longer — take't awaj' ! 

So tight it locks me 'tis with pain I breathe ! 

Let me go, cousin! Wherefore do you hold 

Your face so close to mine 1 What do you mean 1 
Mod. You've questioned me, and now I'll question you. 
Helen. What would you learn 1 
Mod. The use of lips ' 

Helen. To speak 7 

Mod. Naught else 1 
Helen. " How bold my modest cousin grows '" 

Why, other use know you 1 
Mod. I do 1 

Helen. Indeed ! 

You're wondrous wise ! And pray, what is it 1 
Mod. This ! {attempts to kiss her.) 

Helen. Soft ! My hand thanks you, cousin — for niy lips 

I keep them for a husband ; {crosses, l ) Nay, stand off! 

I'll not be held in manacles again ! 

Why do you follow me 1 
Mod. I love you, cousin ! {drops on his knees.) 

Helen. Oh, cousin, say you so ! That's passing strange! 

"Falls out most crossly — is a dire mishap — " 

A thing to sigh for, weep for, languish for, 

And die for ! 
Mod. Die for 1 {rises.) 

Helen. Yes, with laughter, cousin ! 

For, cousin, I love you ! 
Mod. And you'll be mine 1 

Helen. I will ! 

Mod. Your hand upon it. 

Helen {ivarmlij). Hand and heart ! {shoJcing with both hands 

ivarmly) 

Hie to thy dressing room, and I'll to mine — 

Attire thee for the altar — so will I. 

\\ hoe'er may claim me, thou'rt the man shall have me. 

Away ! Dispatch I But hark you, ere you go, 

"Ne'er brag of reading Ovid's Art of Love ! 
•' Mod. And cousin ! stop — one little word with you !" 

They part and go nearly off ivhen they pause, look back and return ; shake 
hands, part again, pause and ret^irn ; again shake hands and are about 
to part, ichen they kiss heartily, and toith a merry latighll:E'LBi<! runs offy 
L. D. Modus, as though dumbfounded, stands looking about for a mo- 
ment, then takes book from his bosom, looks at it — suddenly throws it 
away, and exits quickly, E. D. 

SCENE III.— Julia's chamber.-^ 
Enter Julia, c. d. 
Julia. No word from him, and evening now set in ! 



♦ No change of Scenery in Union Square version. 



62 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT V. 

He cannot play me false ! His messenger 

Is dogged — or letter intercepted ! I'm 

Beset with spies "? — No rescue ! — No escape ! 

The hour at hand that brings my bridegroom home ! 

No relative to aid me — friend to counsel me ! (a knocJc at the 

door.) 
"Come in. 

" Enter Two Female Attendants. 

" Your will ? 
"First Attendant. Your toilet waits, my lady, 

" 'Tis time you dress. 
"Julia. 'Tis time I die ! {a peal of bells) What's that 1 

" Second Attend. Your wedding bells, my lady. 
"Julia. Merrily 

"They ring my knell ! (Second Attendant presents an open 
case) And pray you, what are these ? 
Second Attend. Your wedding jewels. 
" Julia. Set them by. 

" Second Attend, Indeed! 

" Was ne'er a braver set ! A necklace, brooch, 

" And ear-rings all of brilliants — with a hoop 

" To guard your wedding ring. 
" Julia. 'Twould need a guard 

" That lacks a heart to keep it ! 
" Second Attend. Here's a heart 

" Suspended from the necklace — one huge diamond 

" Imbedded in a host of smaller ones ! 

" Oh, how it sparkles ! 
" Julia. Show it me ! Bright heart, 

" Thy lustre, should I wear thee, will be false — 

" For thou the emblem art of love and truth — 

" From her that wears thee, unto him that gives thee. 

" Back to thy case 1 Better thou ne'er should'st leave it — 

" Better thy gems a thousand fathoms deep 

" In their native mine again, than grace my neck, 

" And lend thy fair face to palm off a lie ! 
" First Attend. Wilt please dress 1 
" Julia. Ay ! in infected clothes, 

" New from a pest-house ! Leave me ! If I dress, 

" I'll dress alone. Oh, for a friend ! Time gallops ! 

['•' Exeunt Attendants." 

He that should guard me is mine enemy ! 

Constrains me to abide the fatal die 

My rashness, not n)y reason, cast. He comes, 

That will exact the forefeit ! Must I pay lil 

E'en at the cost of utter bankruptcy! 

What's to be done'? Pronounce the vow that parts 

My body from my soul ! To what it loathes 

Links that, while this is linked to what it loves ! 

Condemned to such perdition! What's to be done? 

Stand at the altar in an hour from this ! 

An hour thence sealed at his board — a wife ! 

Thence ! — frenzy's in the thought ! What's to be done ? 

Enta- Master Walter, c. d. 



ACT v.] THE HUNCHBACK. 63 

Walt. (l.). What ! run the waves so high 1 Art ready, Julia 1 

Your lord will soon be here ! The guests collect. 
Julia (r.)- Show me some way to 'scape these nuptials ! Do it I 

Some opening for avoidance or escape — 

Or to thy charge I'll lay a broken heart ! 

It may be, broken vows and blasted honor ! 

Or else a mind distraught ! 
Walt. What's this 7 

Julia. The strait 

I'm fallen into my patience cannot bear ! 

It frights my reason — warps ray sense of virtue ! 

Religion ! changes me into "a thing 

I look at with abhorring ! 
Walt. (l. c). Listen to me! 

Julia (c). Listen to me and heed me ! If this contract 

Thou hold'st me to, abide thou the result ! 

Answer to Heaven for what I suffer ! — act ! 

Prepare thyself for such a calamity 

To fall on me, and those whose evil stars 

Have linked them with me, as no past mishap, 

However rare and marvellously sad, 

Can parallel ! Lay thy account to live 

A smileiess life, die an unpitied death — 

Abhorred, abandoned of their kind — as one 

Who had the guarding of a young maid's peace — 

Looked on, and saw her rashly peril it ; — 

And, when she owned her danger and confessed 

Her fault, compelled her to complete her ruin ! 
Walt. Hast done 1 
Julia. Another moment and I have. 

Be warned ! Beware how you abandon me 

To myself ! I'm young, rash, inexperienced ! tempted 

By most insufferable misery ! 

Bold, desperate, and reckless ! Thou hast age, 

Experience, wisdom, and coliectedness — 

Power, freedom — everything that I have not, 

Yet want as none e'er wanted ! Thou can'st save me ! 

Thou ought'st ! thou must ! I tell thee, at his feet 

I'll fall a corse, ere mount his bridal bed ! 

So choose betwixt my rescue and my grave ; 

And quickly too ! The hour of sacrifice 

Is near ! Anon the immolating priest 

Will summon me ! Devise some speedy means 

To cheat the altar of its victim ! Do it ! 

Nor leave the act to me ! 
Walt. Hast done! 

Julia. I have. 

Walt. Then list to me — and silently, if not 

With patience, {brings chairs for himself and her ; she c, he r. c.) 
Sit down. 

How I watched thee from thy childhood 

I'll not recall to thee. Thy father's wisdom — 

Whose humble instrument I was — directed 

Your nonage should be passed in privacy, 

From your apt mind, that far outstripped your years. 

Fearing the taint of an infected world ; — 

" For, in the rich ground, weeds, once taking root. 



64 THE HUNCHBACK. [aCT T. 

" Grow Strong as flowers." He might be riglit or wrong ! 
I thought him right, and therefore did his bidding. 
Most certainly he loved you — so do I ; 
Ay ! well as I had been myself your father ! 

His hand is resting upon his knee, Julia attempts to take it — he withdraws 
it — looks at her — she hangs her head. 

Well, you may take my hand ! I need not say 
How fast you grew in knowledge and in goodness — • 
That hope could scarce enjoy its golden dreams, 
So soon fulfillment realized them all ! 
Enough, You came to womanhood. Your heart, 
Pure as the leaf of the consummate bud 
That's new unfolded by the smiling sun, 
And ne'er knew blight or canker ! 

" She attempts to place her other hand on his shoulder — he leans from her — 
looks at her — she hangs her head again. 

" Put it there ! 

" Where left I off ? I know !" When a good woman 

Is fitly mated, she grows doubly good, 

How good so e'er before ! I found the man 

I thought a match for thee ; and soon as found, 

Proposed him to thee. 'Twas your father's will, 

Occasion offering, you should be married 

Soon as you reached to womanhood ; you liked 

My choice — accepted him. We came to town ; 

Where, by important matter, summoned thence, 

1 left you an affianced bride ! 
Julia. You did ! 

You did ! {leans her head upon her hands and weeps.) 
Walt. Nay, check thy tears ! Let judgment now, 

Not passion, be awake. On my return, 

I found thee — what '? I'll not describe the thing 

I found thee then. I'll not describe my pangs 

To see thee such a thing ! The engineer 

Who lays the last stone of his sea-built tower, 

It cost him years and years of toil to raise — 

And, smiling at it, tells the winds and waves 

To roar and whistle now — and, in a night, 

Beholds the tempest sporting in its place — 

Might look aghast, as I did ! 
Julia { falling on her knees). Pardon me ! 

Forgive me ! pity me ! 
Walt. Resume thy seat, {raises her) 

I pity thee ; perhaps not thee alone 

It fits to sue for pardon. 
Julia. Me alone ! 

None other ! 
" Walt. But to vindicate myself, 

" I name thy lover's stern desertion of thee. 

"What wast thou then with wounded pride 1 A thing 

" To leap into a torrent ! throw itself 

" From a precipice! rush into fire ! I saw 

"Thy madness — knew to thwart it were to chafe it — 



ACT v.] THE HUKCHBACK. 65 

" And humored it to take that course, I thought, 

" Adopted, lest 'twould rue ! 
"Julia. 'Twas wisely done. 

" Walt. At least, 'twas for the best. 
"Julia To blame thee for it, 

" Was adding shame to shame !" But, Master Walter ! 

These nuptials — must they needs go on 1 

'^ Enter Servant, l. u, k. 
" Serv. More guests 

" Arrive. 
"Walt. Attend to them. [^x/^ Servant, l. 

" Julia. Dear Master Waller, 

" Is there no way to escape these nuptials ?" 
Walt. Know'st not 

What with these nuptials comes 1 Hast thou forgot 7 
Julia. What? 

Walt. Nothing — I did tell thee of a thing. 

Julia. What was it 1 
Walt. To forget it was a fault ! 

Look back and think. 
Julia. I can't remember it. 

Walt, {up from chair, aside). Fathers, make straws yonr children ! 
Nature's nothing ! 

Blood nothing ! Once in other veins it runs, 

It no more yearneth for the parent flood, 

Than doth the stream that from the source disparts. 

" Talk not of love instinctive — what you call so 

" Is but the brat of custom ! Your own flesh 

"By habit only cleaves to you — without, 

" Hath no adhesion !" [aloud) So, you have forgot 

You have a father, and are here to meet him ] 
Julia. I'll not deny it. 

Walt. You should blush for't. 

Julia. No ! 

No ! no! dear Master Walter ! what's a father 

That you've not been to mel {he turns his back to her) Nay, 
turn not from me ! 

For at the name a holy awe I own, 

That now almost inclines my knee to earth ! 

But thou to me, except a father's name, 

Hast all the father been ; the care — the love — 

The guidance— the protection of a father ! 

Can'st wonder, then, if like thy child I feel. 

And feeling so, that father's claim forget. 

Whom ne'er I knew, save by the name of one % 

Oh, turn to me and do not chide me ! or 

If thou wilt chide, chide on ! but turn to me ! 
Walt, {struggling with emotion). My Julia ! {weeping — he holds out his 

hand to her ; she eagerly takes it.) 
Julia. Now, dear Master Walter, hear me ! 

Is there no way to 'scape these nuptials 1 
Walt. Julia, 

A promise made admits not of release, 

" Save by consent or forfeiture of those 

" Who hold it " — so it should be pondered well 

" Before we let it go." Ere man .sliould sa,y 



66 THE IIUNCUBACK. [aCT V. 

I broke the word I had the power to keep, 
I'd lose the hfe I had tlie power to part with ! 
Remember, Julia, thou and I to-day, 
Must to thy father of thy training render 
A strict account. While honor's left to us, 
We've something — nothing, having all but that 
Now for thy last act of obedience, Julia ! 
Present thyself before thy bridegroom ! {^she assents) Good ! 
My Julia's now herself ! Show him thy heart, 
And to his honor leave't to set thee free. 

Or hold thee bound. They come, they come !* Thy father 
will be by ! {Music.) [Exeunt severally. 

« SCENE 111.— The banqueting room.i 
" Enter Master Walter and Master Heart well. 

" Heart. Thanks, Master Walter ! Ne'er was child more bent 
" To do her father's will, you'll own, than mine • 
" Yet never one more froward. 

'* Walt. All runs fair — 

" Fair may all end. To-day you'll learn the cause 
" That took me out of town. But soft awhile, 
" Here comes the bridegroom with his friends, and here 
" The all-obedient bride." 

Enter " on one hand Julia, and on the other/* Lord Rochdale, with Lobb 
Tinsel and friends ; afterwards Clifford, c. d. 

RocH. (c). Is she not fair! 

Tin. (l.). She'll do. Your servant, lady ! Master Walter, 

We're glad to see you. Sirs, you're welcome all ! 

What wait they for 1 Are we to wed or not 1 

We're ready — why don't they present the bridal 

I hope they know she is to wed an earl. 
RocH. Should I speak first 1 
Tin. Not for your coronet ! 

I, as your friend, may make the first advance. 

We're come here to be married. Where's the bride 1 
Walt. There stands she. Lord. If 'tis her will to wed, 

His Lordship's free to take her. 
Tin. Not a step ! 

I. as your friend, may lead her to your Lordship. 

Fair lady, by your leave ! {crosses to her.) 
Julia. No, not to you ! 

Tin. I ask your hand to give it to his Lordship. 
Julia. Nor to his Lordship— save he will accept 

My hand without my heart ! " but I'll present 

" iVIy knee to him, and by his lofty rank — 

" Implore him now to do a lofty deed 

" Will lift its stately head above his rank — 

•' Assert him nobler yet in worth than name — 

* In representation, " they come, they come!" is inserted as above, and there is 
no succeeding chani^e of 8cpne— all the verses and directions marked with inverted 
commas being omitted. Heart ludt slioald enter with the friends of the bride. 

t No change of Scene in the Union Square version. 



ACT v.] THE HUNCHBACK. 67 

*' And in the place of an unwilling bride, 

" Unto a willing debtor make liim lord — 

" Whose thanks shall be his vassals, night and day, 

" That still shall wait upon him !" 
Tin. What means this 1 {crosses, l.) 

Julia. What is't behoves a wife to bring her lord 1 
Walt. A whole heart, and a true one. 
Julia. I have none ! 

Not half a heart — the fraction of a heart ! 

Am I a woman it befits to wed 1 
Walt. Why, where's thy heart ? 
Julia. Gone — out of my keeping I 

Lost — past recovery ! " right and title to it — 

" And all given up !" aitd he that's owner on't, 

So fit to wear it, were it fifty hearts 

I'd give it to him all ! 
Walt. Thou dost not mean 

Ilis Lordship's secretary 1 
Julia. Yes. Away 

Disguises ! In that secretary know 

The master of the heart, of which the poor, 

Unvalued, empty casket at your feet — 

Its jewel gone — I now despairing throw ! [kneels) 

" Of his lord's bride he's lord ! lord paramount ! 

•' To whom her virgin homage first she paid — 

*' 'Gainst whom rebelled in frowardness alone — 

"Nor knew herself how loyal to him till 

" Another claim'd her duty — then awoke 

" To sense of all she owed him — all his worth — 

" And all her undeservings !" 
Walt. Rise, my Julia! {raises her.) 

Tin. Lady, we come not here to treat of hearts — 

But marriage ; which, so please you, is with us 

A simple joining by the priest of hands ; 

A ring's put on ; a prayer or two is said ; 

You're man and wife — and nothing more ! For hearts 

We oft'ner do without than with them, lady! 
Clif. So does not wed this lady, (advances, c. Julia ffoes to him as 

for protection. ) 
Tin. Who are 3'ou 1 

Clip. I'm secretary to the Earl of Rochdale. 
Tin. My Lord 1 
RocH. I know him not. 

Tin. I know him now — 

Your Lordship's rival ! Once Sir Thomas Clifford. 
Clif. Ay, sir ; and once this lady's bridegroom — who 

Then loved her — loves her still ! 
Julia. Was loved by her — 

Though then she knew it not ! — is loved by her. 

As now she knows, and all the world may know ! 
Tin. We can't be laughed at. We are here to wed, 

And shall fulfill our contract. 
Julia. Clifford ! 

Clip. Julia ! 

You will not give your hand ? {a pause — Julia seems utterly lost.) 
Walt. You have forgot 

Again. You have a father .' 



68 THE HUNCEBACK. [a.CT V. 

Julia. Bring hira now — 

To see thy Julia justify thy training, 

And lay her life down to redeem her word ! 
Walt. And so redeems her all ! {crosses, c.) Is it your will, 

iMy Lord, these nuptials should go on ? 
RocH. (l. c). It is. 

Walt. Then is it mine they stop I 
Tin. I told your Lordship 

You should not keep a hunchback for your agent. 
Walt. (c. ). Thought like my father, my good Lord, who said 

He would not have a hunchback for his son — 

So do I pardon you the savage slight ! 

My Lord, that I am not as straight as you 

Was blemish neither of my thought nor will, 

" My head nor heart. It was no act of mine " — 

Yet did it curdle nature's kindly milk 

E'en where 'tis richest — in a parent's breast — 

To cast me out to heartless fosterage — 

Not heartless always, as it proved — and give 

My portion to another ! " the same blood — 

" But I'll be sworn, in vein, my Lord, and soul — 

" Although his trunk did swerve no more than yours— 

" Not half so straight as I. 
" Tin. Upon my life, 

" You've got a modest agent, Rochdale ! Now 

" He'll prove himself descended — mark my words — 

" From some small gentleman ! 
" Walt. And so you thought, 

" Where nature played the churl, it would be fit 

" That fortune played it too. You would have had 

" My Lord absolve me from my agency ! 

" Fair Lord, the flaw did cost me fifty times — 

" A hundred times my agency ;" — but all's 

Recovered. Look, my Lord, a testament {shows will) 

To make a pension of his Lordship's rent roll ! 

It is my father's, and was left by him, 

In case his heir should die without a son, 

Then to be opened. Heaven did send a son 

To bless the heir. Heaven took its gift away. 

He died — his father died. And Master Walter — 

The unsiohtly agent of his Lordship there — 

The hunchback whom your Lordship would have stripped 

Of his agency — is now the Earl of Rochdale ! (general movement 
of surprise.) 
Julia. The Earl of Rochdale! 
Walt And what of that 1 Thou know'st not half ray greatness ! 

A prouder title, Julia, have I yet. 

Sooner than part with which, I'd give that up 

And be again plain Master Walter. What ! 

Dost thou not apprehend me 1 Yes, thou dost ! 

Command thyself — don't gasp ! My pupil — daughter! 

Come to thy father's heart ! (Julia rnshes into his arms.) 
Tin. We've made a small mistake here. Never mind, 

'lis nothing for a lord. 

Enter Fathom, hurriedly, c. d. 



ACT Y.] THE HUNCHBACK. 69 

Fath. Thievery ! Elopement — escape — arrest ! 

Walt. What's the inatter ? 

Fath. Mistress Helen is running away with Master Modus— Master 
Modus is running away with Mistress Helen — but we have caught them, 
secured them, and here they come, to receive the reward of their 
merits. 

Enter Helen and Modus, c. d., followed by Servants. 

Helen. I'll ne'er wed man, if not my cousin Modus. 

Mod. Nor woman I, save cousin Helen's she. 

Walt, {to Hbartwel-l). A daughter and a nephew has my friend, 

Without their match in duty ! You shall marry. 

{to Rochdale) For you, sir, who to-day have lost an earldom, 

Yet would have shared that earldom with my child — 

My only one — content yourself with prospect 

Of the succession — it must fall to you — 

And fit yourself to grace it. Ape not those 

Who rank by pride. The man of simplest bearing 

Is yet a lord when he's a lord indeed ! 
" Tin. The paradox is obsolete. Ne'er heed ! 

" Learn from his book, and practise out of mine. 
" Walt." Sir Thomas Clifford, take my daughter's hand 

If now you know the master of her heart ; 

Give it, my Julia ! You suspect, I see — 

And rightly — there has been some masking here. 

Well, you shall know anon how keeps Sir Thomas 

His baronetcy still — and, for myself, 

How jealousy of ray mis-shapen back 

Made me mistrustful of a child's affections, 

Although I won a wife's — so that t dropped 

The title of thy father, lest thy duty 

Should pay the debt thy love alone could solve. 

All this and more, that to thy friends and thee 

Pertains, at fitting time thou shalt be told. 

But now thy nuptials wait — the happy close 

Of thy hard trial — wholesome, though severe ! 

The world won't cheat thee now — thy heart is proved 

Thou know'st thy peace by finding out its bane, 

And ne'er wilt act from reckless impulse more ! 

Disposition of Characters at the fall of the Curtain. 

Cliffoed. Julla. 

Helen. -' Waiter. 

Modus. Eochdale. 

HEAETWEiiL. Tinsel. 

CUBTAIN. 



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